All the students in Ms. Nancy Martinez’ science classes have an opportunity to advance to the UISD Science Fair in February, but only eight students will represent Alexander High School at the district-wide event. Two students will be selected from each of the four categories, which are: Biological, Medical, Biochemistry and Health Science; Chemistry, Environmental and Earth Science; Space, Physics, Engineering and Computer Science; and Behavioral Science.
Thirty-one total students were judged recently on the following criteria: research question, design and methodology, execution: data collection, analysis and interpretation, creativity, and presentation. Each selected their own research topic, which was judged by teachers from the AHS Science Department.
All the competing students are from Ms. Martinez’ two 11th grade classes for Scientific Research and Design. The students are encouraged to dress in professional attire in order to make the best impression when presenting their research findings and projects. This district competition will take place at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center, where the national competitors will be selected.
Joseph Lopez, UISD administrator, said each student, under the direction of their teacher, put great efforts in their projects and presentations.
“We are proud of their hard work and determination throughout this process. They are our future and are determined to be the problem solvers for the next generation as they continue their educational journey,” he said.
Martinez said the students put a lot of thought and effort into picking their topic, and some went to great lengths to complete their research.
“One student did a project on invasive mussels. He went to different lakes in Texas to check the water quality and through several tests, determined where the little creatures could impact our environment. From his research, I understood the possible impact they can have because if they get into the water lines, they can clog and break pipelines. Boaters can unknowingly infest other lakes and cause ecological damage.”
Student Nahum Sanchez is on a career path for engineering. He developed a motorized, 3D printed robotic hand for this competition.
“My project can be used as a prosthetic, or maybe surgeons can use it in medical fields to perform surgeries with a glove that mimics a hand. This experience has helped me to focus on my career goals and gain knowledge of the different types of engineering like robotics and coding. The entire experience has inspired me,” states Sanchez.
Sophia Moreno plans to be an attorney, but participating in this competition has made her realize that she also has a passion for aerospace engineering. She presented how winglets can enhance efficiency in flights, which she found was better for the environment.
“I’ve learned a lot more than I thought I ever would, and I was able to unlock the inner inventor in me because I didn’t know I could make all of this. I didn’t know I could put this to the test, and it was very inspiring,” states Moreno.
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