Science fair fares well

The annual Chantilly High School Science fair was held on the night of January 18, 2012. Students of all grades dressed for the event. Projects ranged from the testing of music box resonance to the effects of fresh water on salt water currents.

The judging started at 4:15 p.m and ended a little after 6 p.m. On average, 1 judge rated 9 projects. There were around 110 judges total, with one project being rated by multiple judges.

The judges were all different. Each one brought something different to the event. Some were scientists, some were dedicated individuals who just found great interest in the topics, some had degrees in the categories they were judging.

“I have a masters in environmental energy, so, I am a judge for the environmental science category.” Said first year judge Dewitt Latimer.

However, a degree was not all that was required to be a judge. There was plenty of other criteria.

“Its important to have the appropriate background,” Dewitt also said. “As well as being active in the field, having viewed plenty of research involving the topic, and having the willingness to volunteer.”

Some judges were new to the science fair event, but others had been judging for years.

“I have judged many science fairs, around 50,” said environmental scientist Douglas Mose.
“I try to go to three a year.”

The judges come out for different reasons, some are passionate, and some are just interested in seeing the different ideas put forth by children.

“I enjoy watching people get excited about science, theres always people worth listening to,” Mose also said. “I also love seeing the projects involving earth worms, they are straight forward and interesting to watch.”

Judges are not the only ones that get excited about the science fair, some students were giddy about the opportunity to participate.

“My favorite part about science fair is talking to the judges, especially if you get someone whose interested,” junior Hattie Clougherty said. “because if I can share my enthusiasm with them, and they’re interested, it’s exciting to me.”

But amongst all the excitement involved with the science fair, there is always that one grueling annoying aspect that participants are not very fond of.

“My least favorite part would have to be getting all the background research,” sophomore Camilla said. “Its really tedious.”

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