USU Uintah Basin Sponsors Successful Uintah Basin Science & Engineering Fair

More than 150 middle school students showcased their curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills at the annual Uintah Basin Science and Engineering Fair, a regional event designed to encourage young learners to explore scientific discovery and engineering innovation. The fair, sponsored by Utah State University Uintah Basin, was Jan. 15 at the Uintah Conference Center in Vernal.

The fair welcomed 153 student participants representing Vernal Middle School, Uintah Middle School, Uintah Freedom Academy, The Terra Academy, and local homeschool programs. Students in grades 6-8 presented projects across multiple scientific disciplines, and the fair was split into four categories: engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences and social sciences. The projects were judged and awards were given to the top three finishers from each grade

USU Uintah Basin served as a sponsor of the event, with Mike Christiansen, associate professor of chemistry, overseeing the training of judges to ensure a consistent evaluation process. The event was supported by eight teachers, 20 National Honor Society student judges and 12 community judges from local organizations.

“USU has the tremendous honor of working alongside so many local teachers, parents and community contributors to organize and carry out our annual middle school science fair, where wonderful and budding future scientists in grades 6 through 8 share their research with the public,” Christiansen said. “Many thanks to local teachers and parents for another successful year. We expect these experiences will lay a foundation of future success for many of our local students.”

In addition to project judging, students had opportunities to interact with professionals and explore real-world applications of science and engineering.

“During the day while students are having their projects judged, they have the opportunity to hear presentations from local community businesses and organizations and engage in an engineering challenge,” said Mike McBride, science teacher at Vernal Middle School and school’s faculty representative.

Students also said the fair was fun and engaging. Students were allowed to dress up in costume as part of their presentations. They enjoyed learning about each other’s work.

“I thought the science fair was fun and full of a lot of activities,” said Bradley Butterfield, the first-place winner in the engineering category for 6th grade. “It was really cool to see all the creative projects and the work the kids put into them. It was also awesome to see the kids dress up to present their projects. Winning made me feel accomplished, and I was glad that I put all that hard work into my project.”

Students who placed in the top three in each category now qualify for the Utah Science and Engineering Fair, which will be at the University of Utah on March 11-12.

Award Winners

Biological Sciences

6th grade: Vesper Edwards, 1st; Tamzin Joliff, 2nd; Weslon Mortenson, 3rd.

7th grade: Samuel Peirce, 1st; Zora Larson, 2nd; Emalee Purcell, 3rd.

8th grade: Kate Sorenson, 1st; Lennix Chivers, 2nd; Zoey Morgan, 3rd.

Engineering

6th grade: Bradley Butterfield, 1st; Ethaniel Young, 2nd; Avery Wilson, 3rd.

7th grade: Nadia Wong, 1st; Eloise Lundberg, 2nd; Fritz Phillips, 3rd.

8th grade: Benjamin Van Wagoner, 1st.

Physical Sciences

6th grade: Derrick Hunter, 1st; Linden Deletant, 2nd; Braxton Smith, 3rd.

7th grade: Cole Murphy, 1st; Grace Gale, 2nd; Luke Christiansen, 3rd.

8th grade: Liam Day, 1st; Adam Hermann, 2nd; Ryker Janowicz, 3rd.

Social Sciences

6th grade: Keira Warburton, 1st; Ally Madsen, 2nd; Madisyn Brunson, 3rd.

7th grade: Aubri Long, 1st, John Herrera, 2nd.

8th grade: Trevor Caldwell, 1st; Delilah Harlan, 2nd; Jaxsen Jamison, 3rd.

Operating campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt for more than 50 years, Utah State University Uintah Basin gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all in the backdrop of the outdoor oasis that is the Uinta Mountains and Ashley National Forest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and more than 125 programs available, as well as access to the renowned Bingham Research Center, USU Uintah Basin offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at uintahbasin.usu.edu.