Caledonia Argus

Students compete at regional science fair

Posted: 4/30/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Sixteen fifth and sixth grade students at Caledonia Area Elementary School participated at the South Central/ Southwest Regional Science Fair in Mankato on Saturday, April 20.

This is the first time anyone from Caledonia Elementary has participated in the regional competition. The sixteen were chosen by a panel of Caledonia elementary and high school science teachers and students. They were chosen based on how well they followed the scientific method and other criteria.

There were several place finishers with sixth grader Laura Roesler placing the highest. She placed second overall in the category of ìearth and space sciencesî with her project on ìWeather.î There were 14 projects competing in that category.

Sixth grader Sarah Colleran placed third overall in the botany category with her project on ìWhich soil works best for growing potatoes?î Also entered in that category were sixth graders Maria Betz and Alecia Welscher.

Sixth grader Sara Kasten participated in the ìconsumer product testingî and placed in the top six out of 71 entries with her project, ìWhich type of packaging material protects the best?î

Also participating in that category were fifth grader Allison Zard, and sixth graders Dylan Besse and Jose Reinke.

Fifth grader Codi Gray placed in the top six entries out of 30 in the environmental sciences category with her project on ìHow chemical erosion works.î

Sixth graders Alecia Fruechte and Steven Meyer also participated in that category.

Sixth graders Clare Goetzinger and Blake Knutson ranked in the top six out of 42 projects in the area of medicine and health. Goetzinger did her project on ìHow music affects the heartbeatî, and Knutson did his project on ìGot Calcium? Drink Milkî.

Fifth grade participants in that category were Courtney Gran and Kellie Meyer.

Unable to attend was fifth grader Brooke Bulman.

Students were scored on scientific thought, creative ability, understanding, clarity, dramatic appeal of display, and technical skill such as craftsmanship and attention to grammar and spelling.

Sixth grade science teacher Peggy Purcell said parental involvement was a critical factor in the students being able to attend Regionals in Mankato. ìWith their much appreciated support, students were able to pursue their interests through these challenging experiences,î she said.

Top of Page