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| 2005 New Haven Science Fair Special Astronomical category |
| The Astronomical Society of New Haven once again had the honor of reviewing astronomy related projects entered into the New Haven Science Fair. This annual city-wide event is comprised of individual, team, and classroom categories that have made it to this level from previous competition. The participants hail from grades K thru 12. Last year we began a new tradition: awarding a telescope and accessories to the entrant whose project and grasp of their chosen topic impressed us most. We were gratified to find a larger field of astronomy-related projects than in previous years, and very impressed with the students knowledge. Well done, all! We hope to continue to fine-tune our presence, motivating students to enter the event with astronomy related projects... perhaps even enticing some who otherwise might not have entered the event. It is particularly noteworthy that despite the limited resources available to them, these young scientists persevered. Without further ado, here are this year's ASNH award recipients. |
| Grand Prize Una C. Grade 9, Cooperative High School "Solar Flares and Their Effect on Radio Signals " |
| Una's project set about to determine what effect, if any, solar flares had on radio signals. She recorded daily solar activity from Spaceweather.com: how many sunspots there were, their size, the threat level of solar flares, and the sunspot number (Active Region or AR number). The weather data for the date was also noted, so that it's effect (if any), could also be factored in. Using an AM radio set consistently to the same frequency, she recorded signal signal strength of the static on a daily basis (using same time of day for each measurement). The data was compiled into table format, from which a graph was generated and used to support her hypothesis. We were very impressed with her project. The display was complete and hypothesis consistent throughout, with variables included for completeness. She demonstrated an interest and understanding of the subject and extended herself to create additional materials to convey her findings. While absolutely not part of our selection criteria, we were elated to discover (after we made our decison) that she has had a long time interest in astronomy. Excellent work, Una! We would be remiss if we did not mention her instructor, Shiela Martin-Corbin, is no stranger to ASNH award winners, as two of her students placed in last year's event. Congratulations are also due to Una's mom and dad, who contibuted to Una's earlier education through home schooling. |
| First Place Marcel B. and Johnathan L. Grade 7, Sheridan Middle School "See Sun Spot... See Sun Spot Run" |
| Second Place Adam H. Grade 6, Sheridan Middle School "Can Life Exist on Mars" |
| ASNH Vice President emeritus Al Washburn presenting award winner Una with the Society's Grand Prize, a 6" Orion Dobsonian mounted telescope and Celestron accessory kit. |
| ASNH member/mentor, Andy Poniros and Al Washburn presenting Johnathan and Marcel with the Society's First Place award. |
| Al presentsTeacher Heather O'Brien and class representatives Selene and Jasmine an ASNH award for Third Place. |
| Congratulations should also be afforded to the teachers, mentors, sponsors, and everyone working behind the scenes to make this stellar event possible. Thus the torch of knowledge is passed to another generation, lighting the way for them as others had done for us. Our sincere gratitude for your generous gifts of time and talent! Judging was a two-day collaborative effort performed by members Dave Johnson, Ray Kaville, Allan Sacharow, Al Washburn, and myself, Paul Hyndman. Representing ASNH at the awards ceremony were President Greg Barker, Vice President emeritus Al Washburn, Education Chair Allan Sacharow, former Board Member Andy Poniros, and myself, STARS Chair Paul Hyndman (AKA: "astro-nut"). We've seen increasing numbers of astronomy-related projects in recent years, which is one of the goals of our expanding outreach efforts. Discussions are already underway as to what we can do to make next year's event better yet, encouraging more young minds to dare reach for the stars and beyond! |
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| The competition was keen, but these two young men secured first place after impressing us with their level of understanding the material as imparted during their presentation. Their project correlated sunspot size and position to K-index averages and auroral activity. Congratulations gentlemen, and thank you for sharing your work with us! |
| Closing Thoughts |
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| Selene,Tamisha, and Jasmine representing fellow Grade 3 Classmates, presented their findings on effects contributing to crater size. Very nice job, young ladies! |
| Third Place Class Representatives Grade 3 Prince School "Craters R' Us" |
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| Al Washburn presenting the Astronomical Society's Second Place award to Adam. |
| Adam's project emulated environmental conditions on Mars, to determine if bacteria could exist in such surroundings. Using powdered iron dissolved in water as host to E. Coli in a CO2 enriched atmosphere brought to sub-zero temperatures via dry-ice, Adam studied survivability of frozen and re-awakened bacteria. We were impressed with the thoroughness of his research as well as his understanding of the material and presentation. Well done, Adam! |
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