The 2020 Viborg Hurley Science Fair wrapped up on April 10th with a unique twist on what we normally do! In August the students that participate are asked to fill out planning forms and pick topics for their yearly science fair project. Each group needs to complete an experiment of their choice, complete a science fair report, and prepare a presentation for the fair. Students in physical science, biology, anatomy, and chemistry competed in this year's fair. Students have been tasked with meeting periodic due dates throughout the school year so luckily we were able to adjust well due to the quarantine. We modified our presentation aspect and the students met with me via video chat to present their science fair projects throughout April 9th and 10th while they were at their respective homes. Student presentations had to have an educational visual and had to be a minimum of five minutes in length. We had many great projects this year and I am proud of the work they have done. Placing was based on the project design, the paper, the visual, and the presentation. The top 10 results follow (total of 55 students participated this year):
Top 10
10th Place: Lauren P and Morgan L- Morgan and Lauren conducted an experiment testing how different types of sugars reacted with year to see if there was a difference in the amount or rate of gas produced. They tested table sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar.
9th Place: Alex W and Joey G- Alex W and Joey G conducted an experiment testing how the addition of salt vs Anti-freeze altered the freezing point of water.
8th Place: Aydan P and Klayton P- Aydan P and Klayton P designed an experiment on which fly bait would be most effective. They made different solutions based on research and found that their apple juice bait was the most effective.
7th Place: Jacob C and George J - George and Jacob conducted an experiment on how caffeine impacts the body. They studied a wide range of individuals who drank 1 cup of coffee and then they measured their body temperature and heart rate.
6th Place: Emily D and Kenzie C - Emily and Kenzie carried out an experiment that studied how different types of music can impact the health of a dog. They played different genres of music and measured the heart rate of the dog while the music was playing. Based on their results it would be beneficial to play classical music while kenneling your dog!
5th Place: Delana M and Brooklyn A - Brooklyn and Delana designed an experiment testing the cost vs quality of different nail polish. They applied three differently priced polishes to fake nails and measured the length of time it took before the polish was removed.
4th Place: Grant M and Carter G - Grant and Carter carried out an experiment testing the pill type and dissolution rates of popular medications such as Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. They tested caplets, tablets, and gel capsules by adding them to a simulated stomach acid solution and measuring dissolution times.
3rd Place: Kallie L and Katie J - Kallie and Katie carried out an experiment that analyzed pill dissolution times in people suffering from hypothermia and fever. They cooled / heated simulated stomach acid solutions and measured how long it took pills to dissolve based on reaction rates and dissolution times.
2nd Place: Hope O - Hope carried out an experiment testing the effects of bleaching on hair strength. She build and conducted her experiment where she would stretch strands of hair before and after they were bleached.
1st Place: Cassidy S and Seth D - Cassidy and Seth carried out an experiment analyzing the lung capacity of individuals who were involved with athletics, band/choir, or not involved in anything. They compared those students as well as genders to identify any patterns associated with lung capacity.