Young scientists from across southern New Jersey showed off their curiosity, cleverness, and skills recently at the Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Celebrating its 41st year, the Coriell Institute Science Fair brought more than 100 students—ranging from grades 6 through 12—together in person for the first time since 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair was held virtually the past two years.
For their projects, each student or student group identified a question they were curious about, developed a hypothesis, designed and carried out an experiment to test that hypothesis, and shared those results with a team of judges vetted by Coriell.
The projects covered a wide range of scientific and engineering fields and were deeply impressive! These scientists tackled questions of artificial intelligence, gene mutations, password security, the effects of the dreaded spotted lanternfly (an invasive species to New Jersey) on local fauna, gene mutations, using 3D printers to test improved coffee lids and create new tools for use in virtual reality, and much more.
Though the judging session was held in person, the award ceremony was held virtually to ensure all parents, teachers, and helpers could watch as well. New Jersey Assemblyman Bill Moen delivered a brief key note message to the students and parents to kick of the ceremony. Certain winners from the fair can move onto the Delaware Valley Science Fair, and winners from there to even larger fairs. Last year, one winner from the Coriell Institute Science Fair advanced to and won a first place prize at the 2021 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
As always, the judges and Coriell’s science fair team left impressed by the hard work of these bright young minds. Congratulations to all participants and thank you to all who made the fair possible! This next generation of scientists will be ready and able to take on any challenge that comes their way.
