stunning science

Oakton’s science fair success and a deeper look into how Oakton prepared to peform at this year’s Fairfax County Regional Science Fair.

Oakton High School is known for its students’ ability to achieve great academic honors such as being selected as participants for the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair. This year Oakton was well represented by 28 students looking to share their discoveries with over 125 judges and hopefully bring home an award or two. Of the 28 students that attended the science fair, I was able to catch up with two of them along with Dr. Wang, who coordinates the science fair for Oakton, to talk about some of the projects that were presented along with the many awards that were won. Dr. Wang who has prepared students for science fair for over 10 years was impressed with this years results stating, “There were 22 projects that were presented by Oakton this year. [Of those projects] there were 8 first place prizes, 20 category awards, 37 organizational awards, and one grand prize winner.” She then went on stating “we were number #1 in the county besides TJ, the best results we’ve had in the last 20 years.” These results aren’t surprising due to how much hard work and effort that is poured into these projects. Two students that I interviewed know just how hard you have to work to get there. Maggie Tong (10) and Sydney Chen (10) presented a project to help with the growing concerns of droughts. “Our project was The Effect of Varying Atomic Radii Sizes in Cloud Seeding Nuclei on Lux Yield.” Tong explained, “Basically, we made a cloud chamber and tested cloud seeding nuclei to see how the atomic radius of the cloud seeding nuclei affected the cloud density.” The partners came up with this idea when they were reading about the droughts that have been affecting the MIddle East and California. They were inspired to try and help combat such an urgent and pressing issue. The science fair proved to be a way to help get their idea out into the world. Judges in their category drew and interest to their project and ultimately nominated it for Grand Prize judging. “We were super excited and nervous too. We never thought we would be nominated for a Grand Prize award.” Chen said. They then had to go through another more intensive round of judging and would have to wait to find out if they received the award at the ceremony the next day. Sunday, the day of the ceremony, was also the day that the projects were opened to the public. Members of the community were able to walk through the fair and receive information and sometimes even live demonstrations of the projects. Members of Oakton such as Principal Lane were there to support Oakton along with members of the school board such as Ryan McElveen. Finally after the public viewing the award ceremony started. Members of Oakton were recognized for several different achievements and received prizes ranging from certificates and medals to trips to the international science fair in Arizona. While Tong and Chen did not receive the Grand Prize award they did receive first place in their category and were thrilled. Chen stated, “The best part was watching all of our hours and hours of hard work pay off.” The students that presented at Oakton did an amazing job and we wish the students that will be attending the state and international science fair the best of luck! Next year maybe you’ll be inspired to get creative with some stunning science! Photos courtesy of the Oakton High School Instagram and Google