Science skills shine at annual Linton fair

THE WINNERS: Science was in the air at Linton-Stockton Elementary School last week as the school showcased its third science fair projects and winners. The overall winners of the SEEK-sponsored science fair are (from left) Andrew Sherman, Jayden Miller, and Patton Deischer. (Photo by Timberly Ferree) [Order this photo]

Science was in the air at Linton-Stockton Elementary School last week as the school showcased its third science fair projects and winners.

"Students came up with ideas and tested them," explained Stephanie Wasnidge, who organized the annual event. "The numbers are about the same as last year. We have about 40 entries."

Some of the projects asked which dog shampoo is the best to remove skunk odor and would syrup work as a glue, added L-S SEEK Leader Susan Anderson.

The amount of work that goes into these projects is phenomenal, she added.

"You have to test and re-test and sometimes things don't work. ... It's a lot of work and dedication for a kid to sign up and go through with it," she said. "Kudos to the kids that did it."

Students also have to share data results on a poster board that is displayed at the science fair.

"One student tested the strength of different bridges. ... It was a very long, in-depth project. It's very impressive. It took a lot of work," Anderson added.

That student was Patton Deischer -- who was one of three students that landed top honors at the science fair.

But it wasn't all fun and games.

"Putting the strings on the suspension bridge was really tedious. It took a lot of time," Deischer explained, adding the results were worth the work.

"I learned that it's not the materials, it's the engineering that gives it (bridge) its strength," he said.

Deischer, a fifth grader, was the overall school champion and also received top honors for the fourth through sixth grade category.

Jayden Miller was awarded top honors in the kindergarten category and Andrew Sherman, a first grader, landed top honors in the first through third grade category.

Behind-the-scenes work and a lot of volunteer effort also go into the science fair.

"There's tons of work that goes into this and she (Wasnidge) does it all," Anderson said.

"There was a lot of preparation this (Friday) morning ... it was hectic," Wasnidge added.

Stacee Glenn, a SEEK third-grade parent leader, also volunteered her time at the fair.

She explained, "This is my third year of helping. We have a good time."

Glenn has about 40 third graders in her SEEK group. The group has conducted acid base experiments and tested rockets, among other educational fun.

SEEK could use more parent volunteers, Glenn noted.

"There's not enough help," she said.

Anderson agreed and said that SEEK membership has almost doubled since starting with about 100 kids four years ago.

"(This year) we started out with about 180 members ... we're down maybe a little bit from that. We have about eight people who help," she added.

Students need not be in SEEK to enter the science fair.

Judging the science fair were the following: Goose Pond Fish and Wild Life manager Brad Feaster, LSHS science teacher Krystal Kirschner and Greg Kraus and Dave Kiehl -- who are both DNR employees at Shakamak State Park.