Elementary school kids win Science Fair

The first annual Western Idaho Science Fair was held Thursday, April 14 at the Vendome Events Center in Weiser.

 The fair was open to ages K-12 in western Idaho and the Treasure Valley area. Participants were tasked with identifying a testable question, testing each variable, gathering and recording data, as well as graphing the data.

 Although there was a smaller turnout than expected in its inaugural year, the science fair was a success with winners naturally thrilled at the outcome following all of their hard work.

 “I’m proud no matter what place they got,” said Molly Boomer of her daughters Lucy, fourth grade, and Lottie, second grade, who were both named winners. The sisters attend Doral Academy of Idaho, a charter school in Meridian.

 “I saw an advertisement on Facebook after looking around for opportunities,” Boomer said. “I saw no other opportunities in the state of Idaho for elementary-aged children to do science fair projects. I thought this was a great opportunity and that it would be really cool for them to do, so we drove up to Weiser.”

 Boomer said it was the first time her young daughters were involved in a science fair.

 “It was a great experience for them to learn. This was their first time learning how to do a science project, so the focus for them was going through all the steps in how to do it,” she said.

 Lucy’s project was an interesting exercise in determining the presence of bacteria in the human body.

 “My project was about who had more bacteria, kids or adults, so I grew bacteria to see who does,” she said. “It was kids, probably because they touch more things.”

 Lattie’s project involved trying to get produce to absorb blue dye.

 “My project was trying to turn celery blue, and it actually turned blue,” she said proudly. “The celery takes water into the roots, to the stalk, and up the leaves.”

 Co-organizer Stephanie Sullender said that although the turnout wasn’t what she had been hoping for, that all those involved are looking forward to next year.

 “The kids enjoyed it. We made sure it was fun and I think the kids were happy,” she said. “They all said they would come back next year. It was so cute because I told the kids that the mayor was going to be there and they said, ‘The mayor is coming?’ They were just beaming because the mayor put the medals on them and they were just so excited that he was doing this.

 “We’ve got some good people who want to help next year and be involved in it. I’m sure with some help, we can fill that whole place up next year.”

 Mayor Hibberd said he was pleased with the event and that he would like to see it grow in popularity.

 “I thought that even though sparsely attended, the kids put quite a bit of effort into their projects, and it was well worth the effort,” he said. “I was very impressed, especially by the student who won the overall. She did a very nice job. I hope this is an annual event in Weiser and we have more participation in the future.”