On Mar. 6, science and math research students Schreiber’s annual research competition, Schreiber Fair. Sophomore and junior researchers presented their work to teachers and senior research students who judged their work. Science research students presented their research in rooms 39, 40, and 42, and math was stationed further down the hallway.

The main purpose of the Schreiber Fair is to provide sophomore and junior research students with the opportunity to present their research before a number of judges before they compete against other schools in external competitions. 

“The goal of the Schreiber Fair is for us to see that students get an opportunity to be at a fair before they go to the major fairs that they’re going to go to later on,” said science research teacher Mr. John Schineller. 

Projects range from topics in environmental science, biology, to mathematical applications.  Some students may have worked on a project at school with specific types of bacteria, worms, or flies to explore how the results apply to a larger scale world, which is a method they can use to see how humans can be affected. 

“My project was about the effect of MSG, which stands for monosodium glutamate, on the life span and speciation of Drosophila melanogaster,” said sophomore science research student Cheryl Chang.

Another project dealt with whether or not it is possible to get the water in our drinking systems to be a little cleaner, while another was on hurricanes and predicting the weather patterns that produce major storms.  One of the math research projects was on the effect of meteorological parameters on PM2.5 concentration.  Most projects were presented in the form of posters.

Research students in their senior year were among many of the judges that critiqued the projects.  They came up with the score sheet that looked at whether or not the projects the students made followed the scientific method.  The seniors judged the projects on whether they asked a question, properly addressed it according to reviewed related literature, and then applied a solution based on conclusions drawn from data. There were also teachers that volunteered to look at the projects and judge them, as well as give the students positive and constructive feedback that they could use when competing in future competitions.

 “It was really fun to meet the seniors and the teachers and to get feedback that could help me in later competitions,” said Chang.  “Overall, it was a great experience.”

Junior Emma Levin won first place for the science portion of the fair, while juniors Zach Gruber and Joe Melkonian were the first place winners for the math portion of the fair.

Many research students enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity given to them to receive feedback on how they can improve in the future. 

“My favorite part about Schreiber Fair was the learning experience and being able to present for people, as it allowed me to practice for upcoming competitions,” said sophomore math research student Tiffany Guo.  “The positive and constructive feedback that I received will definitely help me in the future.”