diocesan science fair

Diocesan Schools Celebrate Science Achievements

By Alfonso Aguilar
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 5/3/07) science fair

Nearly 300 students from 34 different Catholic schools in the diocese, and dozens of principals, teachers and parents participated in the 12th annual Diocesan Science Fair at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington last month.
St. Patrick School in Fredericksburg won first place in general excellence. St. Ann School in Arlington won second place, and third place went to St. Joseph School in Herndon.
In addition to those awards, there were many individuals awards and prizes to recognize the accomplishments of the students in specific categories, including: behavioral and social sciences; biochemistry; botany; chemistry; computer science; earth and space science; engineering; environmental sciences; mathematics; medicine and health; microbiology; physics and zoology. All students were the winners from the individual school fairs.
The awards were presented by Dr. Timothy J. McNiff, superintendent of schools; Diane Knerr, chairwoman of the Diocesan Science Fair and a teacher at St. Patrick School; and representatives from a science association.
“The science fair is a long range process that 7th-and-8th grade students begin in the fall,” Knerr said. “They are able to research a particular area of science that is of interest to them. Science fair also teaches organization and time management.”
“This is the best science fair I’ve ever seen,” said Al Handerson, representing the Institute of Industrial Engineers. “The kids made fabulous presentations.”
Each school had an opportunity to present up to 10 projects. Alisha Ault from St. Louis School in Alexandria, the first-place winner in the earth and space science category, developed a project about global warming.
“I wanted to choose a topic that concerns everybody at this moment and in the future,” she said.
Dylan Connor, also from St. Louis, received an honorable mention in microbiology for his project on salads and how to kill bacteria. Michael Ly of Corpus Christi in Falls Church worked on a project on alternative uses of natural light.
The eight-hour event started at 8 a.m. and the judging lasted three hours.
Teachers and parents said the highlight of the event was seeing the students get excited about learning and sharing with others, and being challenged.
They were also happy to see an engineering corporation supporting the event and encouraging students to pursue careers in science.
Dr. Isabel Walls, who has judged the fair for the past five years, said the students worked very hard and the projects were very good.
“They are interested in a wide range of subjects. It’s really good to see them come here and win awards,” she said.
Sister Elizabeth Ann McGuire, principal at St. Ann School and a judge for the past seven years, said she enjoys working with the judging committee and helping to make the fair run smoothly.
“I enjoy what my students do through the efforts of their teachers,” she said.
“It was a long, but very good event,” said Melissa Manaker, a member of the Science Fair Committee.