Students apply logic in Liberty science fair
(CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – A robotic hand and binary calculations inspired projects for the Liberty Middle School science fair.
Thirteen students entered behavioral and physical sciences and biology projects. Science teachers Carla Beardslee, Erica Jarrell and Amy Lyons coordinated the event.
Katelin Baird was first-place winner in physical science with inspiration to build a robotic hand after watching “Soul Surfer.” She used her hand’s dimensions for the mechanical hand that could grasp a ball.
At the state science fair, Baird won third place in engineering, Best in Show and numerous prizes including more than $500.
Gulum Yenisehirli engineered a system to potentially limit the number of mass shootings using RFID (radio-frequency identification) chips and programming. Yenisehirli received third place in physical science and an honorable mention in engineering at state.
Joshua Todd took second place in engineering for “On Binary Calculations,” a binary calculator capable of adding two binary numbers.
“I used switches, LEDs and other electronic components,” Todd said. “The end result was rather satisfying (and) capable of performing its functions and led me to ponder new ideas in the realm of computer science.”
Todd received second place at local and regional meets, third place at state finals and the IEEE Sponsorship and Junior Grand awards.
“Students take processes in the classroom and apply them to a problem or question. (Using) logic and organization, they experiment to come to a solution,” Beardslee said.
Although on short-term disability for three months, Beardslee decided to work with students to have a science fair. “It means so much to the students that want to enter. They work hard, and like all of us, want to showcase their talents,” Beardslee said.
“So few students enter the fair. There’s not a great benefit for a teacher other than inspiration these few students give to me,” Beardslee said. “It’s lots of work. Very few teachers are willing to do it. Every year, I say it’s time for me to pass the torch. No one else steps up to the plate, though. I’m not going to let (these kids) down.”
