Northbrook High School students recently brought home an impressive collection of 18 gold and 5 silver awards from the Illinois Academy of Science State Fair. The group of seventh and eighth graders participated in the fair as part of an independent scientific research program that showcased their passion for science and dedication to their projects.
Science teacher Amber Paul praised the students’ performance, stating that they demonstrated a genuine love of science and asked insightful questions while working effectively together. She believes that the skills they gained through this experience will serve them well as they progress through high school.
Each year, NBJH students participate in the science fair by enrolling in a semester-long course that allows them to explore their interests through research projects. With the guidance of science teachers Lauren Johnson, Fred Yoon, and Amber Paul, the students followed the scientific method to conduct their experiments. Judges evaluated student projects based on oral presentations, written work, and adherence to scientific method criteria outlined by the Illinois Jr. Academy of Sciences.
In addition to gold and silver awards, several students received special awards for their outstanding projects. Henry Gartz and Simon Peak received the Outstanding Project Award in the Aeronautical and Environmental Science (EPIC) category. Other students were honored with awards such as the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Award, presented by the Illinois Soibean Association, for outstanding projects in various categories.
Overall, Northbrook High School students showed their passion for science and dedication to their research projects at the state science fair, earning recognition for their hard work and impressive accomplishments.