The Colorado Mineral Society

The 53rd Annual
Colorado Science and Engineering Fair Report
By Bruce Geller

Five CMS members helped judge the State Science Fair at CSU in Fort Collins April 10, 2008. Judy Geller, Ray Horton, Paul Ralston, Eva S., and myself served as club representatives. There were actually over a dozen relevant earth science entries which we judged. Our choices were tough, but we came to our conclusions after four and a half hours of viewing and interviewing. The winners we chose were:

Jr. High Division

1st Place – Carl Scheevel (7th grade, East Middle School, Grand Junction)
Effectiveness of Various Ground Covers on Soil Erosion of a 32.5% Grade

2nd Place – Dayton Fisher (6th grade, Yuma Middle School, Yuma)
Vary the Viscosities of Crude Oil

Sr. High Division

1st Place – Grant Slinger (11th grade, Stratton High School, Stratton)
Effects of Soil Type on Groundwater Contamination, Phase II

2nd Place – Jeffrey Hibbert (9th grade, Lone Star School, Otis)
Qualitative Assay of Radionuclide Species in Ash from Coal Combustion

This is an enjoyable project for the judges. We are always amazed at the talent we see in these young people. We can only hope that next year we will find a few more who are interested in the field of Earth Science. Any CMS member who would like to participate in the experience next year should make one of this year’s judges aware of your interest.