Gulf Middle Students to Show Off Science at State Level

Two Gulf Middle School students are competing in a state –level science fair next month.

Amanda Tetso and Alyssa Butler are heading to the State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland March 26-28.  They already won first prize in the Pasco Regional Science Fair, according to a press release from Gulf Middle’s Media Specialist Marilyn Shafer.

  Amanda and Alyssa are among 25 students from Pasco who won the opportunity in the regional fair to advance to the state competition.

Amanda’s science fair project asked the question “What Happens When Footprints Are Made in the Sand?”. She investigated why dry areas appear around foot print when a step is taken, according to the press release.

Alyssa had hurricane season in mind when she created her project. Her project asked “Which candle burns faster, white or colored candle?” She completed 10 tests on Mainstay candles of different colors. Her goal was to find the most economical purchase for hurricane season.  She found the white candles she tested provide more burn, but the colored candles generate more scent.

For the state competition, the two Gulf Middle students must create more detailed descriptions of their scientific procedures and research plan

The press release states the following:

"When Amanda was asked about her first place finish at Regionals, she says, 'I was shocked but happy to get first place. I’m proud of myself no matter what the outcome is at State in March.'”

Alyssa was also shocked and stated, 'I didn’t think I’d get first place because so many other good projects were entered. I plan to continue participating in the Science Fair in high school because there are scholarship available and it will look good on my resume for college.'”