Students succeed at Science OlympicsPosted on Oct 02, 2008
More than 200 middle school girls from throughout Connecticut spent Saturday, September 27, translating a secret language, building a bridge out of paper to test how much weight it can support and building race cars from lifesavers, straws and paper at Lauralton Hall’s annual fall Science Olympics. Curious Creatures, a professional organization of exhibitors who teach respect and appreciation for exotic and unusual animals, was also on hand to give an educational presentation with twelve animals, including a boa constrictor, chinchillas and ferrets. More information on Curious Creatures can be found at www.curiouscreatures.org. Science Olympics was created to promote science education for girls and to provide participants the opportunity to enjoy themselves while applying the basic themes of science in a practical, experimental context. The theme for the event is “Science is FUN!” The Science Olympics for Girls is held twice a year and, at each session, participants spend the day doing tasks that show that girls not only do science well, but also have fun while doing it! With the help of Lauralton faculty and students, participants in the recent fall session competed in problem-solving events related to physics, linguistics, engineering and more. Students worked in teams, with the winners as follows: 2nd place: Team #6, The Amphibious Dolphins from East Haven Academy in East Haven: Sarah Farnsworth, Danielle Stevens, Rose Maldonado, Jenna LaFontaine 3rd place: Team #9, The Science Geeks from Betsy Ross Middle School in New Haven: Joi Littlejohn, Katherine Bettej and Kameesha Collins 2nd place: team #37, The Hurricanes from St. Augustine’s in Bridgeport: Alexia Smith, Imani Marie Jean-Gilles, and Atillia Lee 3rd place: Team #31, The Super Scientific Stingers from East Haven Academy in East Haven: Brianna Allevato, McKenzie Miessau, Nicholle Gargano, Katie Housler 2nd place: The Purple Puffins from Holy Trinity in Wallingford: Michaela Leslie, Erin Leslie, and from Conte/West Hills Magnet School in New Haven: Tatiana Gay 3rd place: Team # 21 from St. Rose in Newtown: Haley Ryan, Caitlin Keane, Sophia Chiravelli 2nd place: Team #23, The Chemical Reactions from St. Ann’s in Milford: Lauren Vetter, Paige Vollero, Heather Volkens, and Haley Barnum 3rd place: Team #58, SMPA from St. Martin’s in New Haven: Asia Barnes, Cheyenne Hedley, Kirstin Vega, and Madiah Gant The spring “games” are scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2009. Any schools, students or teachers interested in learning more should contact scavar@lauraltonhall.org. |