2021 BCSS Science & Engineering Fair Winners

The BCSS Science and Engineering Fair (BSEF) is an important component of the school system’s Innovative Teaching & Learning Program, providing students with an opportunity to engage in authentic scientific and engineering practices. 

In light of the pandemic, students were encouraged this year to think "outside the lab" when approaching their research. They were able to conduct sophisticated and valuable research from the safety of their own home.

The BCSS fair was conducted virtually this year, and we are pleased to share that Emma Pitman and Natalie Mays are the Gold Medal Recipients for the Barrow County School System. Both students attend Russell Middle School in the seventh grade. 

Ms. Pitman's experiment explored whether or not we perceive a food’s taste as a certain flavor based on its color. Ms. Mays project investigated how glow stick longevity was impacted by temperature.  

Director of Innovation Lee Bane praised these students' diligence and work. "In this challenging school year, these ladies alone have met all the deadlines and expectations to research, design, execute, and properly document competition-worthy science fair projects. This has been a very long-term process that both Natalie and Emma have independently taken responsibility for with commendable levels of dedication and persistence."

Congratulations to our Gold Medal Recipients for their hard work and dedication to the scientific process. 

Northeast Georgia Regional Fair

At the Regional Science and Engineering Fair on January 30, Natalie was awarded a silver medal in the Junior division for her project. 

Emma earned a gold medal in the Junior Division and has advanced to the State Level of competition which will be held in May. Congratulations!  

About the Georgia Science & Engineering Fair (GSEF)

The Georgia Science & Engineering Fair is the state's premier forum for students to showcase their original research, compete for awards, and interact with top-level professional scientists. The science fair system in Georgia serves to recognize students for their achievements and prepare students to succeed and flourish in an increasingly complex and highly technical world by becoming problem solvers, critical thinkers, reflective learners, and more productive and influential members of their communities. 

The winners of school-level fairs are invited to compete in one of the GSEF-Affiliated Regional Fairs in January and February. The top projects from each regional fair are invited to attend and compete at the state fair. The 73rd Georgia Science & Engineering Fair will take place this spring. A select number of projects will be chosen to advance to the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), which will take place virtually in May 2021.