RMMS Teacher Judges Young Scientist Challenge
What happens when you combine a ballroom in Manhattan, laboratory equipment, highly accomplished scientists, a $50,000 prize, and ten of the most enthusiastic young scientists in America? You create the Discovery/3M Young Scientist Challenge and our very own Kenneth Luna, a teacher at Robert Moses Middle School who was one of the judges at this prestigious competition.
In the competition, students had to bring an invention of their own and explain the science behind it to the judges. Then they had to determine a way to separate an unknown mixture of seven substances into its component parts. Next, these young scientists had to use a variety of 3M products to clean graffiti off models of the Statue of Liberty and a subway car. Finally, they teamed up with scientists to create a structure from a vast array of materials that would be able to withstand an earthquake of significant magnitude, all while protecting an egg perched atop the structure.
Having enjoyed being a judge and interacting with these talented students, Mr. Luna had the following comment: "This year I was fortunate enough to be invited to serve as a guest judge, a byproduct of sorts from the time I've spent as the education writer for Discovery's TreeHugger.com, the largest source of environmental news on the web. And it was an inspiring learning experience to be certain."
The pictures below were taken by Bill Fitzpatrick.
