Young scientists and inventors show their talent at PCSS
By Mike Lange
Staff Writer
GUILFORD — Looking for a rugged but comfortable seat to watch TV, surf the Web, read or just have a snack?
Ethan Moulton came up with a multi-purpose wooden chair just for that purpose. If he produced enough of them, he’d sell them for $79.95. “It’s great for kids age 5 to 15,” said Moulton. “With the tray, you don’t get crumbs all over the floor, either.”
Observer photo/Mike Lange
FLATIRON — If you’re in a hurry to straighten your hair in the morning, try this flatiron invention created by Jennifer Simon at the PCSS Science and Invention Fair.
The seventh-grader’s creation was one of several displays at the Piscataquis Community Secondary School’s Science and Invention Fair on April 11, as youngsters were challenged to use their talent and creativity.
Science teacher Trisha Moulton said she was really pleased by the students’ enthusiasm. “This is only our second year, and we have many more participants this time,” Moulton said.
Observer photo/Mike Lange
MULTIPURPOSE CHAIR — Ethan Moulton demonstrates his multipurpose chair with a reclining back and a tray for snacks. Also pictured is Brian Paradis who described the chair as “pretty comfy.”
Nine students qualified for the Maine Invention Convention at the UMaine Orono campus last year and several more will be chosen for this year’s event scheduled for May 17, Moulton said.
The Invention Convention drew 90 participants from 11 schools last year where students sought solutions for “real world” problems through research and experimentation. At the PCSS expo, however, youngsters had a choice between an invention or science project.
“In each case, they still had to show the step-by-step process,” Moulton explained. “Another positive aspect of the program is that it helps students of all abilities. Some who may be shy in class are much more open with a hands-on project.”
Observer photo/Mike Lange
FROSTY OBSERVATION — Kailee Ward was interested in how heat affects frost, so she did some online research and came up with this science fair display.
Collin Harrington was clearly enthusiastic about his miniature volcano. “I made it out of baking soda, food coloring, vinegar and other stuff,” he said. While experimenting with a way to make it erupt, he discovered that the more vinegar he added, the greater the output. So he made up charts to explain his experiment.
Kailee Ward was curious about the way heat dissipates frost, so she did some online research and came up with a display explaining the process. “It took a few days to make up the chart, but it was interesting and fun,” she said.
Jennifer Simon came up with a “flatiron” hair curler almost by accident. “I’ve had days when I’m in a hurry and don’t have time to straighten my hair,” she said. “So this iron would make it easier.”
While there were prizes for the best entries, Moulton said that every youngster should be commended for their work. “In that respect, they’re all winners,” Moulton said.
Observer photo/Mike Lange
MINOR ERUPTION — A miniature volcano gets more active when extra vinegar is added to the solution, according to Collin Harrington. His display is being observed by PCSS Guidance Director Janice Rice.