Young scientists: Learning by doing

Diamond Sanger's decision to create a science fair project to replace the grade on her biology mid-term meant learning a lot about cloning.

Plant cloning, that is.

"Cloning is really interesting to me," the 10th-grader said. "In speech and debate last year, we debated stem cells and we've also discussed cloning. It's just something that interests me a lot."

Sanger's project was one of about 30 in the Carson High School Science Fair on Tuesday.

Judges from the Kiwanis Club, GE Bently and the community picked the top three in the categories of life sciences and physical sciences.

Sanger's project began with a simple pluck from a ground cover plant, called Snow-In-Summer because it's white, from her front yard.

"Farmers use this method," she said. "Instead of planting it in dirt and growing it, you put it in water and let the roots grow by themselves."

Like Sanger, Keton Massey and Austin Bartosz, both sophomores, wanted the opportunity to replace their biology mid-term grades with their science fair project grades.

"The main reason is because we don't have to worry about the test," Massey said. "Most people average a 50 or 60."

To determine which of four hockey shots - the slapshot, wristshot, snapshot or backhand - travels the fastest and is the most accurate, Massey and Bartosz each went out on the ice and made some shots. Both play on the school's club team called Carson JV White.

"We found out the slapshot was the fastest and that's what we predicted," Massey said. "The snapshot was the most accurate. We thought the wristshot was going to more accurate because you have time to decide what you're going to do with the puck."

Biology teacher Julie Koop said science-fair projects are not required, but they are a good way for students to learn.

"Most kids are most successful on a project rather than a test," she said. "That's the carrot. These kids didn't do the project because they had to. They wanted to. It's a lot better for them because they learn more by doing. I think that's one of the more important steps, the doing element."

The science fair winners will participate in the regional competition at the University of Nevada, Reno. Winning projects there will be entered into the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix.

Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

Science fair winners

Life sciences:

• First place: Becca Kitchen, "What did you eat today?"

• Second place: Pam Putham, "Watering plants: Salt Water vs. Sugar Water"

• Third place: Martin Azzam, "You are what you eat"

Physical sciences:

• First place: Jennifer Atchian, Terilli Wilson and Jenni Jones, "Sunscreen"

• Second place: Megan Kilty and Sarah Evans: "Insulations"

• Third place: Sarah White, Heather Marcin and Jennifer Hood, "Detergents"