First Homeschool Science Fair Held in Alexandria

By Linda Busetti
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 2/21/02)

Third-grader Christian Reese confidently explained how hornets built the soft, oval nest that was part of his science project at the first annual Catholic Science Fair of Northern Virginia last Saturday at St. Louis School in Alexandria.

Reese was among 20 home schooled students in grades 3-11 who presented projects in categories of chemistry, physics, zoology, botany, environmental science, engineering or earth and space science. Greg Vansuch oversaw a team of nine parents with science backgrounds who served as judges. Three judges questioned each entrant about his or her project. Reese carefully described "The Life Cycle of Bald-Faced Hornets," drawing on research he had done on the Internet and at the library.

Mary Lenaburg of St. Mary of Sorrows Parish in Fairfax served as director of the science fair. She praised Noreen Gilmour, principal of St. Louis, for making the school’s multipurpose room available for the event. Lenaburg also noted Dr. Timothy McNiff, diocesan superintendent of schools, had made diocesan science fair rules and regulations available to her so the home school science fair could use the same criteria. The Diocesan Science Fair will be held March 2 at Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School in Arlington

Science fair participants were brought together from Vienna, Reston, Fairfax, Chantilly and Winchester via church bulletins, email, the home schooling network and word of mouth, Lenaburg said.

Fifth-grader Bethany Reese presented a project on salt crystals. Vincent Mancini told how he made marshmallows for his project, "Why Marshmallows Puff" when they are heated. Fifth-grader Rachel LaVigne described her experimentation for, "The Big Freeze — What Substance Is Most Efficient at Melting Ice." Fourth-grader Elizabeth Schneider’s project considered, "Which Solution Makes the Best Thermometer." "A Comparison of Crystal Growth" sparked sixth-grader Jonathan Lenaburg’s curiosity.

The lone high school entrant, 11th-grader Michael Schneider, disproved his hypothesis that vinegar would corrode masonry nails faster than several other solutions. Schneider said he enjoys analyzing literature and working independently. Next school year, when he studies physics and calculus at home, his father, a scientist, will serve as a resource. Kathy Schneider, who home schools three children, said home schooling is not an obstacle to college admission. Her two older children, who were home schooled, attend college.

Ribbons were awarded in three categories: seventh grade to high school: Mary Schneider (7-8) and Michael Schneider (high school); fifth- sixth grade: 1st, Rachel LaVigne; 2nd, Bethany Reese; 3rd, Hannah Roberts; third-fourth grades: 1st, Joshua Clougherty; 2nd, Vincent Mancini, 3rd, Kathleen Monin. All participating students received certificates.

For information on the science fair contact Lenaburg at 703/803-4650 or by email at lenaburg@pilot.infi.net. 

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