Student First: County Science & Engineering Awards, Elementary Science Fair Winners

This spring students across FUSD schools applied their curiosity and creativity to scientific investigations and the engineering design process, resulting in fantastic research and results.

“The interest, ingenuity and creativity of the projects highlighted for me how amazing our students are as well as the work of our teachers and school sites to develop these skills and passions in students,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction Corey Brown. “Many of the projects identified current problems and sought innovative and creative solutions.”

The first place Science & Engineering Fair projects from each grade level at each elementary school are featured in this video, which debuted at the March 22 meeting of FUSD’s Board of Education.

Board President Vivek Prasad thanked the students for their participation and the staff who supported these projects, noting that the “research and innovative thinking that these events create are very important for our future.”

Winning projects at the 5th grade level were invited to showcase their projects and represent their school at the City of Fremont’s Spring into STEAM event on March 29. The event had a great turnout of students and families for the showcase and a variety of science, technology, engineering, arts and math activities.

“The new format this year for the FUSD science fair showcased what can be possible under joint collaborative efforts among families, schools and the City,” said Brown.

Students in grades 6-12 were eligible to participate in the Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair (ACSEF), and FUSD students once again had high levels of participation and earned many awards.

“Our students’ interest and achievement in science and engineering is impressive, and illustrates the academic excellence, dedication and innovation of FUSD students and the families and educators who support them,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack. “The drive of our students to ask questions is incredibly important, and our role is to encourage their curiosity and show them how to use a scientific and design process to design solutions, find answers and ask new questions.”

The subjects covered by students’ science and engineering projects were wide-ranging. Some projects answered daily questions, such as “Which Oil Makes French Fries to Crunchiest” and “Which pan is the best for preventing eggs from sticking?” Some projects sought to answer questions and create solutions for daily life, such as “Are Succulents Fire-Resistant?” and “Using Herbal Ideas To Make a Natural and Healthier Alternative Sports Drink.”

Many projects at the elementary and secondary levels have the potential to save lives, such as “Early Flood Warning System” by Horner Middle School students Nikita Jain and Ira Thota, who earned the Middle School Grand Award in Engineering for their project.

Thornton Junior High students Jiya Kohar, Prisha Patel and Ruhani Singh took home the Middle School Grand Award in Science for their project: “Understanding unique profiles generated using genetic and nongenetic factors that serotonin is depended on among adolescent age groups (teenagers in middle and high school), and its potential application in emotional changes among this cohort.”

ACSEF named Mission San Jose High School teacher Katy Kuei their Teacher of the Year at the high school level for her “hands on = minds on” approach and dedication to her students. She was also recognized in 2022 for her outstanding support for students.

The complete lists of ACSEF awards are available here.

“With these young scientists and their enthusiasm to improve our world I'm left with a real sense of hope,” said Brown.