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| 2007 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. In the past, we've presented a telescope and accessory kit to the individual entrant whose project and grasp of their chosen topic impressed us most, and monetary awards for First, Second, and Third place. This year we presented two telescopes (6.0 and 5.3 inch Dob mounted Newtonians), as well as monetary awards, copies of the book "Beyond Mars", and framed Certificates of Acheivement. We hope to continue to fine-tune our presence, motivating more students to enter the event with astronomy related projects... perhaps even enticing some who otherwise might not have taken part. |
| First Place Edwin Pabon Jr, Grade 11 Hyde Leadership School "Solar Flares" |
| Second Place Esther Rose-Wilen, Grade 6, Worthington Hooker School "Sunrise Sunset" |
| Third Place Mrs. Criscuolo's First Grade Class, Ross-Woodward School "Sun Pictures" |
| Edwin was inspired by news articles about Pluto to study it and other outer planets' orbital patterns and the influence the sun had upon them. Originally, the project was more appropriately titled "Solar System Investigation") but was subsequently changed. The White-Light scope used, a Dob mounted Newtonian with mylar filter, belonged to a former student (ASNH prize recipient) who donated it to the school. The Ha (Hydrogen alpha) scope used (a Coronado/Meade PST) is owned by the school, but no one was trained in the proper method of etalon adjusment (on/off band), hence the views were very bland. Nonetheless, he did a fine job with the data available and was selected to receive First Place. Unable to attend the ceremonies, competing in the State Science Fair that evening, Edwin's teacher accepted the award on his behalf. Left pic: Edwin with his project. Right pic, ASNH officers Greg Barker and Al Washburn present teacher Chris Saganella with a 6 inch Orion Scope, $200 check, a copy of the book "Beyond Mars", and certificate of achievement. Science Fair founder Jack Crane in the left background. |
| 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 Greg Barker, Al Washburn, Allan Sacharow, Richard Gresham, and myself, Paul Hyndman. Representing ASNH at the awards ceremony were President Greg Barker, Vice President emeritus Al Washburn, and myself, STARS Chair Paul Hyndman (AKA: "astro-nut"). As in previous years, discussions are already underway as to what we can do to make future events better yet, encouraging more young minds to reach for the stars and beyond! |
| Esther used the sun to plot latitude and longitude while on a family cruise. Her calculations were verified via GPS. Al Washburn and Greg Barker presented Ester with a 5.3 inch scope, check for $150, copy of "Beyond Mars", and a certificate of achievement. |
| Closing Thoughts |
| The kids chose this project because "it seemed like it would be fun". Class representatives Destiny and Adela had a good grasp of the project's goals and did a commendable job in explaining it. Greg Barker and Al Washburn present their teacher with a check for $125, a copy of "Beyond Mars", and a certificate of acheivement. |
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