Science Done Right

By Georgi Iliev

Who knew that science could be charming? I suppose it's the human factor – something sorely lacking in my science ed, but gloriously displayed at this semester's ACS Science Fair.

Stand hopping through dozens of physics, chemistry and biology set-ups didn't leave the observer time to get bored, or to understand the intricate science. It all became a dazzling clothesline of creativity, amateur (and all the more endearing for it) presentation skills, original entry points into clichéd postulates.

At an Arm’s Reach - Venezia Georgieva 12/5 and Nikita Ovsiannikov 12/3 - First award for Best model and Best Audience Model

From extremely low tech (flashing light on water) to quite sophisticated (transistor radio combined with a computer – as far as I could tell), the student presenters ranged from possible geniuses to outright slackers. But all of them shared an inventiveness of approach, either to science or to its public presentation, and a good cheer that was infectious – well, with the possible exception of the all-too-serious dude who showed me frog blood through a microscope.

Best Experiment Grade 10 - Wireless Power - Wassil Jansen10/8, Philip Kolarov 10/7

A few snarky jesters here and there couldn't careen the fair into the nerd-bashing fest it could have been in any conventional high school. General good will and enthusiasm for one's pals' project made sure that most projects received their share of admiration.

Mind-Blowing Optical Illusions - Ivan Nikolov 8/1 - Third award for Best Model

The spectrum of phenomena covered by the exhibits was staggering: optical illusions, artificial limbs, sound and fire, electronics, floatation devices, bath bombs, and of course the electro gizmos of everyone's scorned scientist of choice, the much revived Nikola Tesla. Kudos go to the presentation skills of the girls who MC'd the bone conduction and measuring the hardness of water via bubbles, respectively.

Are you Quick Enough to Get This? - Yoan Vluzov 9/10 and Christo Simov 9/7  - Third award for Best experiment  and Best Audience Experiment

Thank you all for a wonderful experience! Now I'm going home to make me some magic mud from potato starch and Schweppes.

SCIENCE FAIR AWARDS

BEST MODEL

1. At an Arm’s Reach - Venezia Georgieva12/5 and Nikita Ovsiannikov 12/3

2. Artificial Pancreas - Silvia Pencheva 10/8 and Ivan Vlaykov 11/7

3. Mind-Blowing Optical Illusions - Ivan Nikolov 8/1

Best Grade 9 - Models of Tesla’s Experiment - Ioana Nikolova 9/7

Best Grade 10 - Wireless Power - Wassil Jansen10/8, Philip Kolarov 10/7

Best Grade 11 - Hologram Model - Nia Alexieva, Iva Totomanova 11/8 

 

BEST EXPERIMENT 

1. Synthesis of Aspirin - Ivana Andreeva 12/4 and Kamelia Drenkova12/4

2. Training and Muscle Activity - Ioana Dimitrova 11/6 and Nikol Kralimarkova 11/6

3. Are you Quick Enough to Get This? - Yoan Vluzov 9/10 and Christo Simov 9/7

Best Grade 10 - Gummy Bear Osmosis - Mila Marcheva 10/9, Sara Stateva 10/9

Best Grade 11 - Determining the Hardness of Water by Using Soap - Mariya - Magdalena Djangozova 11/8, Katerina Maria Krasteva 11/3

BEST AUDIENCE MODEL

At an Arm’s Reach - Venezia Georgieva 12/5 and Nikita Ovsiannikov 12/3

BEST AUDIENCE EXPERIMENT

Are you Quick Enough to Get This - Yoan Vluzov 9/10 and Christo Simov 9/7