Students investigate and explore ... in preparation for 2nd annual WRMSSEF
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About the time the Artemis astronauts were viewing Mars, two Edgemont junior high school students were also thinking about the red planet.
“Can legumes increase the nitrogen in Martian soil?”
This is the question Adalia (grade 8) and Mehrjan (grade 7) are exploring. They meet during study hall to plant beans in two cups: one with potting soil and the other with simulated Martian soil.
“As space expeditions increase and we go to Mars, we will need to grow food,” said Adalia.
They are among more than 80 student scientists presenting projects at the Westchester Regional Middle School Science and Engineering Fair (WRMSSEF) on May 2 at Edgemont’s Panther Dome, open to the public from 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Judges will evaluate projects across 14 categories, and the top 10% will advance to the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge, a leading middle school STEM competition.
“Even if a student doesn’t pursue science, exposure to the scientific method is a great gift,” said Talia Dardis, co-founder and director of the fair and a science research teacher at Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School. “WRMSSEF helps students see themselves as scientists and get excited about problem solving.”
Seventh grader Reza is studying which types of algae consume the most nitrogen in ponds. Inspired by algal blooms blocking sunlight and harming ecosystems, he created different pond environments in jars using algae he purchased online and added nitrogen with plant fertilizer. He'll use a nitrate meter to gauge the algae's impact.
A unique aspect of WRMSSEF is that each middle school participant is paired with a high school mentor—this year, all from Edgemont’s science research program. “Once students get involved, they love it,” said Dardis. All participating seventh graders from last year have returned.
Collaboration and time management are key parts of the experience. Adalia and Mehrjan work on their project after school, before track practice. “We discuss everything,” said Adalia. “If we work separately, it’s not as good.”
Having won awards at last year’s STEAM Fair, they understand both the excitement of success and the value of hard work. “Our main goal is to prove to ourselves that we can finish this project,” they said.