Heritage seizes numerous awards at North Alabama science fair

These Heritage Elementary School students competed at the North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON — Nerve sensations, bacteria and flushable wipes led Heritage Elementary School students to honors at the North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville hosted the fair.

Sixth-grade sponsor Beth Clemmons said seven sixth-graders advanced to state competition: Sarah Bryan, Jack Hodges, Brina Harden, Cory Hagood, Beth Utley, Alyse Utley and Jadon Sweat.

Heritage sixth-graders receiving honorable mentions were Matthew Schikner, Luke Blades, Zach Scholten, Max Steiner, A.J. Fredette, Calvin Engstrom, Caroline Thomas and Garrett Nix.

“Last year’s state winners, Alyse Utley and Beth Utley, have been invited to the state fair this year,” Clemmons said.

Eight out of 10 fifth-graders advanced to state level: Caroline Bendickson, Amanda Peterson, Emma Drake, Lauren Assaf, John Busch, Gavin Johnson, Jackson Lanier and Kassie Hileman (who also earned a special award for the top three placements in her category). Allyson Thammavongsa received honorable mention.

“I personally learned a lot,” fifth-grade sponsor Mrinal Joshi said. “I didn’t realize how rigorous and time-consuming the paperwork would be … but well worth the effort.”

Bendickson’s project, “Does Gluten-Free Equal Taste-Free” determined people’s preference for wheat flour. With “Of All the Nerve,” Peterson found that the index finger and lower arm are most sensitive to touch.

Drake’s project, “Which Wipes Wipe Out,” determined if ‘flushable’ wipes really disintegrate. Lanier studied the influence of color on blood pressure; green increased pressure, while red reduced the reading.

Busch and Johnson explored weathering and erosion by painting nails with various coatings (nail polish was most resistant).

With “Electromagnetic Fishing,” Kassie Hileman’s testing could help builders and construction workers.

Thammavongsa’s “The 5-Second Rule” studied bacteria growth on bread dropped on different floors. She allowed bacteria to grow on food in petri dishes. Thammavongsa discovered the dining room floor and driveway grew the most bacteria.

“Science should be encouraged more in students, especially with the nature of jobs in the real world,” Joshi said. She commended principal Dr. Georgina Nelson for her support.