Science Fair “STEMulates” Bright Ideas

There were 32 Shelby County schools and more than 300 projects represented at this year’s Shelby County Elementary STEMulating Science Fair. You never know what you might run across while judging some of these projects. There are actual working experiments all the way to projects that are a bit on the smelly side when it comes to specimens that have been in a Petri dish for a while. Science Fairs give kids an opportunity to showcase their hard work that has already earned them recognition at their own school, therefore, giving them an additional opportunity to submit to the overall Shelby County Science Fair.

MLGW provides community volunteers who help judge science and engineering fairs, as well as assist with art contests involving Memphis and Shelby County area students.

MLGW employees have given their time to serve as judges at the following events:

• Memphis Collegiate Middle & High School
• Shelby County Elementary STEMulating Science Fair
• Memphis-Shelby County Science & Engineering Fair

Projects are scored on creative and scientific thought, thoroughness, accuracy and display presentation. Prizes for excellence are awarded The Bright Idea Award. For the Shelby County School Science Fair, winners will take home Barnes & Noble gift certificates and a trophy at an awards presentation on March 2 at Germantown High School.

The winners from Kindergarten through second grade were class entries, while the winners from third through sixth were individuals:

Kindergarten Class Award
"What color Apple has the most seeds?"
Sycamore Elementary, Teacher: Kim Martin

First Grade Class Award
"All Shook Up" – Earthquake project
Collierville Elementary, Teacher: Rachel Salyer

Second Grade Class Award
"Peanut Power"
Collierville Elementary, Teacher: Judy Rhodes

Third Grade (Individual): Kylie Stewart
"The Mystery of the Elements"
Lucy Elementary

Fourth Grade (Individual): Matthew DeZemplen
"Wonderful Magnets and Motors"
Chimneyrock Elementary

Fifth Grade (Individual): Mary Donahoo
"Energy Challenge"
Tara Oaks Elementary

Sixth Grade (Individual): Allie Hughes
"Greener Wind Power"
Germantown Middle School