SCHOOL'S FIRST SCIENCE FAIR GOES WELL

DEMONSTRATION: Many of the science fair entries were hands-on learning stations. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

LOOK AT THAT!: Visitors to the South Elementary Science Fair May 15 found the entries fascinating. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

INTERESTING ITEMS: Many entries in the science fair called for a closer look from members of the large crowd. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Although participation was voluntary, nearly 50 student entries were entered in the South Elementary Science Fair, May 15.

The fair, for South Elementary students (grades 2-5), included prizes and a public display May 15.

"I'm really proud of the kids," said Debbie Lusk, science teacher. "It was all voluntary and we had 40 to 50 entries. This was our first year. Hopefully next year will be even better. We had some really neat things, considering how young these students are. We have some really interesting science projects."

Two grand prize winners were named, one for second and third graders and one for fourth and fifth graders. Tyler Kremer's "Series VS Parallel Circuit" was second-third grade grand champion, while "A Wild Guinea Pig Habitat," by Ashley Taylor and Erica Michelson, won the fourth and fifth grade honors. Each grand champion entry won $50. First, second and third place all-around winners also won cash prizes.

In the second and third grade division, Donnie Henson and Jared Lane won firs place with "Life Cycle of Butterflies and Moths." Cory Buchheit was second, with "The Age of the Dinosaurs." Jenna Robinson won third place with "Which Popcorn Pops the Best."

In the fourth and fifth grade division, Travis Smith won first place, with "Making Stalactites." Christine Sturms was second, with "Which Marker Brand is the Best," while Andrea Penzel and Brooke Taylor were third, with "Cork Motor."

Prize winners in each grade were as follows:

Second grade

Experiments: First place, Jenna Robinson; second place, Karlee Bauknecht; third place, Jill Rushin and Lauren Schuette.

Models: First place, Donny Henson and Jared Lane; second place, Austin McRaven; third place, Chelsea Sturtevant.

Third grade

Collections: First place, Cory Buchheit.

Experiments: First place, Tyler Kremer; second place, Joshua Cooley; third place, Kyla Wills and Samantha Watson.

Models: First place, Hannah McCarthy and Mackenzie Lee; second place, Brock Evans; third place, Nathan Davis.

Fourth grade

Experiments: First place, Travis Smith; second place, Laura Lusk; third place, Caitlin Bell.

Models: First place, Andrea Penzel and Brooke Taylor; second place, Kelsey Bohnert; third place, Shay Leimer and Amber Strauser.

Fifth grade

Experiments: First place, Christine Sturms; second place, Lauren Ressel and Kelsey Powell; third place, Caitlin Holzum.

Models: First place, Ashley Taylor and Erica Micheson; second place, Lauren Jennings; third place Jessica Barton and Jory Rapps.

According to Lusk, 26 judges judged the nameless entries.