2006 Oklahoma State Science & Engineering Fair

Students Compete at the 2007 International Science and Engineering Fair in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Three area students attended the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) from May 13-18 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Melissa Carvell, a 10^th grader from Bartlesville Mid-High School, competed with her project, “Science Thwarts Insurgents: Improvements in Ceramic Armor Systems Design Using Composites for Tensile Reinforcement in Ceramic Plates.” Mackenzie McDaniel, also a 10^th grader from Bartlesville Mid-High, competed with her project, “What Foundation Type Best Withstands the Forces of an Earthquake?” Both Melissa and Mackenzie were sponsored by Colleen Bennett, 10^th Grade Honors Chemistry teacher at Bartlesville Mid-High; Colleen also attended ISEF in Albuquerque. Josh McAlister, an 8^th Grader from the Owasso 8^th Grade Center, was chosen to attend as a student observer, based on his project, “Sensational Learning.”

Melissa Carvell won three awards at ISEF. At the Government Awards Ceremony, she was announced as one of the Navy's top three project winners, which included an $8,000 scholarship ($2,000/year for four years). She also received an Air Force second place category award of $1,500. In the afternoon, at the Grand Awards Ceremony, she received a second place award in her category, Materials and Bioengineering, which also came with a $1,500 check. Melissa's second place category award can be best summarized as "top five in the world" for her category. Additionally, it was announced by the MIT Lincoln Labs that they would be officially naming asteroids after each of the first and second place category winners, so Melissa will be receiving that fun honor as well later in the year.

These three students were selected for the all-expenses paid trip to the Intel ISEF at the Bartlesville District Science Fair in early March. Melissa and Mackenzie were chosen as the top two 9-12^th grade student projects, and Josh was selected for having the top 7-8^th grade student project. All three were district champions in their categories.