More than 500 students from across Minnesota were showcased at the 75th annual State Science and Engineering Fair, held March 18-20 at the Doubletree Hotel and Convention Center in Bloomington.
Put on by the Minnesota Academy of Science, the competition is open to Minnesota students in grades six through 12. It is sponsored by Seagate Technology, 3M, Ecolab, Medtronic and General Mills.
Of the more than 3,000 students who compete in eight regional science fairs across Minnesota, about 15 percent advance to the state level.
"Science fairs kindle students' interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)," said Lise Weegman, director of the State Science and Engineering Fair. "Many students apply scientific research to their personal interests, fusing a lasting connection between the two."
The state science fair, Weegman added, "enables students to communicate their research findings to professionals who work in their fields of interest, and it instills a passion for science that we believe will influence students' future career choices."
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Awards are given to students with the highest scoring projects and research papers in 17 categories: animal sciences; behavioral and social sciences; biochemistry; cellular and molecular biology; chemistry; computers; Earth and planetary science; energy and transportation; engineering-materials and bioengineering; engineering - electrical and mechanical; environmental management; environmental science and analysis; mathematical sciences; medicine and health; microbiology; physics and astronomy; and plant sciences.
Qualifying for this year's state science fair from Perham High School were: Abby Nygaard, with her project titled, "The Effects of Guarana on Medaka Embryo Development"; Riley Tostenson, with his project titled, "What is in Your Water - Does Chemical Composition Affect Bacteria Growth in your Water Bottle?"; Seth Stafki, with his project titled, "A Study of the Relation of Localized Heavy Metal Deposition and Waste Management"; and Alphonse Schoeneberger, with his project titled, "An Investigation into the Effect of Activity on Memory."
Winning the only medal at this year's fair for Perham was Alphonse Schoenenberger, with a bronze in the behavioral science division.
Winning special awards were: Alphonse Schoenenberger, with the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Award; Riley Tostenson, second place for the Environmental Health Association; and Seth Stafki, honorable mention in the Environmental Science and Health Award.
The PHS science research program is coached by Shawn Stafki.
According to the National Science Foundation, scientific innovation has produced roughly half of all U.S. economic growth in the last 50 years. And, the Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology states that although only about five percent of the U.S. workforce is employed in STEM fields, the STEM workforce accounts for more than 50 percent of the country's sustained economic growth.
"Participation in the State Science and Engineering Fair encourages innovation, reinforces practical application of skills and gives these accomplished young scientists well-deserved recognition for their efforts," said Matt Scholz, a scientist in the Infectious Health Division at 3M.
