Pershing Middle School Students Take Smart Dip Into Science

Student Nicole Morgan with her project, "Think Smarter, Use Greywater."

Does double-dipping your chip into salsa really promote bacterial growth? The answer is yes, and Pershing students can prove it. "The Truth About Double-Dipping" and "Think Smarter, Use Greywater" were just two of the 298 student displays presented at Pershing Middle School's 10th Annual Science Exhibition on Jan. 28.
Eighth graders demonstrated that they are critical and creative thinkers who are able to integrate their skills and personal interests with their knowledge of the scientific process.

Dressed in their best, each student also had the opportunity to practice their presentation skills, speaking at length and answered questions about their projects in front of a room full of guest panelists from the community, peers and program sponsors, SPAWAR and the SDSU Math Department.

Students began the process in October by thinking about an issue of personal interest that perplexed them. Most of the research, experimentation, data analysis and write-ups were conducted in class in December and early January under the supervision of science teachers Kellie Marcarelli, Susan Benson and Heather McCormick.

The experience gave students a taste of what adult scientists do on a daily basis -- producing innovation and knowledge by combining creative thinking with rigor, discipline and method.

Pershing requires a science fair project from all eighth graders, offering a structured opportunity for students to learn that they are capable of rigorous thinking, hard work and eligible for the scientific or engineering career of their choice.

For more information, contact Principal Sarah Sullivan.


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