O.W. Huth Middle School students who placed first in Illinois Jr. Academy of Science State Fair are (l.to r.) Kyra Diggs, Zoe Drigo, Christen Rainer, Hailey Love, Rosalio Walker, and Ammar Baig. Teacher Michelle Sheffer is far right. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
Matteson, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Matteson School District 162’s O. W. Huth Middle School students placed first in the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Fair Division D of schools with an enrollment of 450 or more.
The Fair drew 972 of the top high school, junior high and middle school science students to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale earlier this month.
Three Huth students earned gold medals, two were awarded sliver and one received a bronze medal.
“Proficiency in science is an important core area at Huth Middle School, as it is one of the foundational legs of preparation for high school and college. Congratulations to this team and their teacher, Ms. Michelle Sheffer, whose awards at this state science fair reflect our school’s standard that, ‘excellence is our expectation,’” said Dr. Robert Tomic, principal.
Gold medals went to eighth graders Ammar Baig for “Forensic Files,” a health science entry; Zoe Drigo for “Soapy Sapling, an environmental science poster and Hailey Love presented “Harmonies and Heartbeats,” a health science exhibit.
Silver medals were won by Christen Rainer, an 8th grader for her chemistry entry, “All Fizzed Out” and 7th grader Rosalio Walker for a chemistry entry, “Which Candy Makes the Soda Rise the Most.”
Kyra Diggs, an 8th grader, earned a bronze medal for an environmental science entry, “Growing with Soapy Water.”
“Competition in the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Fair offers students a wonderful insight into the scientific method which scientists have been using since the 17th century,” said Sheffer, 7th and 8th grade science teacher at O.W. Huth Middle School.
“To develop their entries, students first ask a question, conduct background research and develop a hypothesis. Then, they test their theory by doing an experiment and analyzing the results. Finally, they draw a conclusion and share their results in an easily understood poster exhibit,” she explained.
This is a release from Matteson School District 162.