Students participating in this year’s FCPS Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased their projects on March 15, following the previous days’ judging at an open house at Robinson Secondary School from 1-3 p.m. 

The regional science fair was a weekend long event held on March 14-15 at Robinson Secondary School. According to FCPS, there are a variety of categories, along with different judges per category. These categories range from animal sciences to system software.

“There are some people who are interested in microbiology, some people are interested in math, some in designing something,” science teacher Jennifer Holder said. “It gives everybody an opportunity to explore the passion that they have for science, technology and engineering in math.”

Participants from Chantilly High School submitted 22 projects and were responsible for getting their projects to the school on March 13 and attending the event the following days. Additionally, participants had to figure out what materials were needed to purchase or borrow for presenting their projects.

“We have certain technology and machinery, and they can sign [forms] out with their science teacher or their science fair coordinator,” Holder said. “Sometimes they purchase [materials] on their own, so it really depends how much they want to spend of their own money and what we have available as a school.”

Awards were announced at 3 p.m. on March 15. In addition to the possible category awards, special awards are money and invitations to organizations or competitions. These types of awards are judged by special judges. One of the special awards given out this year was from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AAIA), first place winners received a student membership in the AAIA, an opportunity to attend NASA Goddard Space Experience and $50, twice the amount as last year’s money prize.

“This is all independent,” Holder said. “None of this is a grade. Kids are doing it because they love science and they want to participate and share.”