McNicholas holds annual Science Fair

On Jan. 28, McNicholas held its annual science fair for students enrolled in Biology and AP Biology.  Projects ranged from testing the effects of temperatures on the clarity of fingerprints to the antibacterial effects of raw honey.  In total, 16 students received awards in categories for Life Science, Physical Science, and special awards including the Governor’s Award for Advanced or Alternative Energy Research, the Governor’s Award for Advanced Materials Science Research, the Governor’s Award for Environmental Protection, the Governor’s Award for Biotechnology and Biomedical Technologies, and National Association of Biology Teachers Honors.

Students begin thinking of project ideas at the beginning of the school year.

“We try really hard to have them choose a topic that they are interested in,” Chemistry and AP Biology teacher Mrs. Regina Goines said.  “The best projects come from those they have questions about.”

Some students took a personal approach to their chosen experimentation.

“My dad has been selling honey for a few years, and many people made comments about it helping with their allergies,” freshman Isabella Daley explained. ”I wanted to see if there were other possible medicinal uses for honey”

Those who received awards will be continuing on to the district fair at the University of Cincinnati on March 14.  If they excel at that level, they will continue on to the state science fair at The Ohio State University.

Life Science Awards

Honorable Mention in Life Science:

• Wade Brokamp: Testing the Conversion Process of Sucrose to Glucose and Fructose

• Isabella Daley: The Antibacterial Effects of Raw Honey

• Alexander Deimling: Osage Oranges

• Natalie Martinez: The Effect of Heat on Chemosynthetic Bacteria Types

• Cameron Massa: Impact of Technology Viewing on Sleep Patterns

• Lauren Mindrum: Do Female or Male Dogs Have More Bacteria In Their Mouths?

• Annie Savage: How to Improve Your Drawing Abilities

• Gabriela Scorti: What Affects Your Reaction Time The Most: Listening to Music, Calling or Texting?

2nd Place in Life Science: 

• Kennedy Brennan: Vitamin C Response to Heat in Fruits

• 2nd Place in Life Science:
  • Kate Whitesell: Temperatures Effect on the Clarity of a Fingerprint

• 1st Place in Life Science:
  • Alex Ballou: Taste Manipulation

Physical Science Awards

Honorable Mention in Physical Science:

• Nate Williams: The Effect of PSI on the Force a Soccer Ball Delivers

2nd Place (tie) in Physical Science:

• Alexis Duenkelsbuehler: Make Your Kick Count

2nd Place (tie) in Physical Science:

• Skyler Lance: Not All Wood Burns the Same

• Sami Moser: Insulation of Fabrics

1st Place in Physical Science

• William Granlund: Wave Stoppers

Special Awards:

Governor’s Award for Advanced or Alternative Energy Research:

• Skyler Lance: Not All Wood Burns the Same

Governor’s Award for Advanced Materials Science Research:

• Sami Moser: Insulation of Fabric

Governor’s Award for Environmental Protection:

•  William Granlund: Wave Stoppers

Governor’s Award for Biotechnology and Biomedical Technologies

•  Wade Brokamp: Testing the Conversion Process of Sucrose to Glucose and Fructose

National Association of Biology Teachers Honors: 

•  Kate Whitesell: Temperatures Effect on the Clarity of a Fingerprint

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