Since the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year, many students, parents, and teachers across Putnam County have been working on science projects in preparation for participation in the many science fair opportunities available to young people in the State of Ohio.  These students have participated in local science fairs at their local schools and the Putnam County Science Fair.  On Saturday, March 3, many participated in the Regional Science Fair in Archbold, Ohio.  Another event will occur on Saturday, March 17th with District Science Fair, which will further qualify students for State Level Competition on May 12th.

Twenty-two students from five Putnam County School Districts participated in the Northwest Ohio Regional Science Fair, held on Saturday, March 3rd at Northwest State Community College in Archbold.   Over one-hundred students from several area counties showcased their projects, presenting for evaluation by judges, as well as competing for numerous awards.  Projects were judged on a forty-point scale, which evaluated knowledge achieved, effective use of scientific method, clarity of expression, and originality and creativity. Students who earned superior are now eligible to advance to the State Science Day to be held at The Ohio State University, Columbus on Saturday, May 12, 2007.

Nine students from Miller City – New Cleveland Local Schools participated in Regional Science Fair, including Ethan Varner, Kevin Kaufman, Brittany Schroeder, Joseph Heuerman, Gabe Wenzinger, Marissa Schroeder, Jessica Leis, Meagan Giblin, and Jared Kern.   In addition to a Perfect 40 score by Ethan Varner, all received very high scores.  Many additional awards were earned by this group as well.   Ethan Varner received First Place for outstanding Behavioral Science projects, the Four-County ADAMh Board Award, the American Psychological Association Award, the Scientific American Award, as well as being selected for Super Judging as one of the top high school projects at Regional Science Fair.  Gabe Wenzinger received First Place for outstanding Physics projects.  He was also chosen as one of the top 4 Junior High projects at the Regional Fair and was selected as one of the Discovery Channel Young Scientists, which makes him eligible to apply for a trip to Washington, D.C. as one of the top 40 Junior High students in the United States.  This is the second time that Gabe has qualified for the Discovery Channel Award.  Joseph Heuerman also qualified for this award in 2006.  At this year’s fair, Joseph also received First Place for outstanding Chemistry projects.   Marissa Schroeder received Second Place for outstanding Engineering projects, as well as being selected as one of the top 4 Junior High projects at Regional Science Fair.  Jessica Leis received First Place for outstanding Medicine/Health projects, as well as the Apothecary Medicine Award.  Meagan Giblin won the Governor’s Award for Litter & Recycling projects.  Jared Kern earned a Governor’s Award for Manufacturing Science projects, as well as third place for outstanding Engineering projects.  These students are advised and supported by their teachers, Dave Leader, Deb Schimmoeller and Darla Warnecke.

To achieve this level of success, these students have spent months preparing their projects.  The participating schools and teachers have spent many hours advising and directing students to resources that assist students with their projects.  And the parents have been supporting in innumerable ways.  Furthermore, these students have gained valuable knowledge about science, language arts, mathematics, technology, and creating a successful presentation of their knowledge.  The students presenting at State Science Day now have the opportunity to compete with the top 1100 projects in the State of Ohio for over $1.7 million dollars in sponsored awards and scholarships.