Photos by clare jensen
SCIENCE SHOW. Annie Wright School’s sixth grade class presented their cumulative research findings to a panel of judges, as well as the school community June 3. Student Colby Enebrad explains his study on creating energy from tidal power to first grader Lev Walker. Many of the student’s work related to current environmental concerns and solutions.
The effect of acid rain on erosion. Tidal power as an alternative energy source. Best practices in oil spill cleanup.
These real world issues are being studied and tested by the greatest adult minds in science. They are also some of the topics for Annie Wright School’s sixth grade science fair.
The research projects ranged from building an unsinkable boat and speed sailing to cleaning products and water pollution and the lethal effect of copper on goldfish.
Most of the students interests involved finding solutions to real environmental concerns. Student Emma Salam was one of a handful of classmates who chose to study the best way to manage oil spills.
Midway into her research, she heard the news of BP’s massive oil spill that is currently seeping into the Gulf of Mexico.
“It’s too big of a spill to burn it. I think instead of using (chemical) dispersants, they should use materials,” Salam suggested at the “Water Works” science expo June 3.
She had been studying the best ways to manage and contain oil spills for several weeks, and compared several different methods to oil management.
“I found that sponges would be best.”
Earth Science teacher Carey Parrin noted she was impressed with her students’ thoughtful and relevant scientific endeavors.
“It’s nice to actually talk about current events in science,” she said, specifically noting the significance of the oil spill. “We were able to talk about ‘what if they tried this.’ It was great to be able to relate to what is happening.”
Parrin said the science expo is the culminating project for the year. The 28-student class began studying oceanography, water chemistry and pollution, and ship-building elements earlier this year.
In February, the class field trip to Foss Waterway Seaport led them into their own scientific research projects. As long as it related to water, it was fair game.
“If they’re interested in a topic, they’re going to want to learn about it, and get energized about science,” Parrin said.
Parrin let the students choose a topic that sparked their interest, establish a hypothesis, and move through the scientific method before presenting their research and findings to a panel of judges who are experts in various hydro-related fields.
Each student presenter was interviewed by the judges panel, which included former Bayliner president Dave Livingston, John Livingston, owner of Ranger Tugs; Tim Helling, earth science teacher; Jim Timson, physics teacher; Julie Neff, chemist, and Jan Adams, education director at Foss Waterway Seaport.
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