More than 220 students tested their science skills at the annual Socorro Independent School District Science Fair held at Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School on January 27, 2007.  With projects ranging from testing voltage in fruits to a comparison of fat in fast food and health food, the students showcased their results to judges for a chance to place in the annual science fair.  Students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades in the Socorro ISD participated in one of 17 science areas such as Animal Science, Behavioral Social Science, Biochemistry, Bio and Material Engineering, Environmental Science, Math, Physics and Astronomy.

Taking top honors in the Sweepstakes Results were Ericka Enriquez, a 6th grader at Loma Verde Elementary School, Abraham Galindo, a 7th grader at Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School and David Urquidi, an 8th grader at Socorro Middle School.  Ericka’s project tested if chlorine killed bread mold. She determined that chlorine bleach could not kill bread mold but speculated that a stronger concentration may kill the mold. Abraham’s tested various anti-acids to see which one neutralized acids the most.  He hypothesized that Pepcid AC would be the best because it was the most expensive of the brands he tested.  Pepcid AC, along with Tums, Rolaids, Zantac and Alka-Seltzer, did not neutralize acids as fast as plain baking soda.  David tested various orange juices to see which one had the most Vitamin C.  His results showed that frozen juice had the most Vitamin C compared to fresh juice. 

Among the winners was Carolina Alvarado.  The Sierra Vista 6th grader, who won second place in the Materials Engineering, wanted to prove that grapefruits provided more voltage than any other fruit.

“My brother had told me that fruits and vegetables had voltage but I didn’t believe him,” says Carolina.  “I also thought that grapefruit would have the highest but limes actually had the most voltage.”

Celebrating the students wins were Dr. Sylvia P. Atkinson Superintendent of School for the Socorro Independent School District and Dr. Debra Livingston, Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction for Socorro ISD.  Joyce Zarowski, Director for Math and Science Partnership at Socorro ISD, explained the how the district is working on preparing all students in the field of science and impact of the science fair on the students.

“They are learning about inquiry, scientific research, and analysis,” she told the audience of parents and teachers.  “They are becoming independent thinkers.

Next month, the District hosts its High School Science Fair which will be held on February 10, at El Dorado High School, 12401 Edgemere.

|  Winners List |