Students Experiment at Science Fair

If you hypothesized that students would go the extra mile at a science fair, you could conclude that your hypothesis was correct. Instructors from Beaufort County Early College High School, Beaufort County Community College and Mattamuskeet Early College High School brought students together to share their experiments and displays. NC BioNetwork joined the college with an interactive activity where students could taste foods and guess its pH. Students could watch the college's 3D printer in action, and East Carolina University flew a drone around the fire training building.

Depending on the class, students created informative displays or conduct experiments. Displays included information about carnivorous plants, nutrition, organ systems and chickens. Students looked at the effects of light from different parts of the visible spectrum on plant growth, grew crystals, and experimented with different soils to see which was best for growing grass. One student built a hydraulic robotic arm controlled by water moving through syringes. The winning project was a station where students could extract DNA from strawberries.

Many students start their science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers and educations at BCCC and early colleges. Students can go on to finish bachelor's degrees in chemistry, agricultural science, soil science and health sciences. They can complete degrees such an Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology or an Associate Degree in Nursing. Local employers are always in need of nurses, chemists and engineers. STEM events such as this help students ask questions, challenge themselves and make the sciences fun.