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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: 13 March 2006 SUBJECT: Good Hope School Science Fair Ignites Young Minds
120 student scientists in the Middle and Upper Schools at Good Hope are participating in The Good Hope School 2006 Science Fair, the only Intel ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) affiliated science fair in the Virgin Islands . Displays will be open to the public on Wednesday, March 15 from 8am to 4pm and on Thursday, March 11 from 8am to 8pm in Good Hope School Campus Center and scientists of all ages are encouraged to attend this event free and open to the public. All 120 students will be exhibiting this year in one of 12 different categories, with projects ranging from the Behavioral and Social Sciences to Zoology. Each individual student's interests are evaluated and they are then encouraged to choose a project from a category that excites them; the variety is impressive. Sixth grade young scientists work in groups on projects, with the seventh through twelfth grade scientists working either individually or in a team of two. Original projects this year include: sophomore Leah Guthrie has found antibiotic properties in the local marine algae; junior Rebekah Green is comparing two different wastewater management systems currently in use on St. Croix; sophomore Stephanie Thompson is studying the effects of cinnamon on blood glucose levels in diabetic patients of West Indian decent; and sophomore Carlos Davalillo is evaluating the effectiveness of the UVI aquaponics system to a hydroponics system currently in use in his native Venezuela. Science Department Chair and Director of the Fair, Jane Coles, said, "The Good Hope School mission statement underscores the value of a rigorous scientific education when it allows us to make "a commitment to the success of each child . by offering them a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that guides their ability to think critically, creatively, independently, and globally. That's what the Science Fair is all about!" Mrs. Coles, who has been at Good Hope for five years, also stated that "since each student is choosing a project in their area of special interest, they can carry the project as far as they want to go. The students are never finished! At the end of every experiment they learn that there are always more questions that remain to be answered." Each project will be judged by a group of scientists from St. Croix. This year's judges include Dr. Wayne Etheridge from VI Counseling Services; Wes Toller from DPNR, Fish and Wildlife; Fred Perry from UVI; Eric Hutchins from Hovensa; and David Walworth, a naval architect. There will be over 20 special prizes for Middle and Upper School in addition to Division Awards. First, Second, and Third Place, plus Honorable mentions will be awarded to the best projects overall in each division. Two individuals and one team will be invited to compete in the international arena when Intel (ISEF) holds its annual competition in Indianapolis, Indiana in May, an event Good Hope students have been invited to attend for the past five years. The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world's largest pre-college science competition showcasing the world's most promising young scientists and inventors. More than 1,300 students from over 40 countries compete for $3 million in awards and scholarships each year. ### |
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