Warhawks judge science fair projects at a local elementary school

Published Dec. 6, 2016
By 2nd Lt. Tyler Detorie

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Have you ever wondered what would happen to a flower when watered with colored-dyed water instead of regular water? Or what happens to a fast food cheeseburger when it is left out for several weeks?

Airmen from the 4th Space Control Squadron, also known as the Warhawks, recently discovered these answers, and more, during a visit to Pioneer Elementary School, on Nov. 18, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Fifteen Warhawk members volunteered as judges for the elementary school’s fall science fair for over 75 fourth and fifth grade students who presented scientific experiments of their choosing.

Topics ranged from flower and cheeseburger experiments, to making baked potato lightbulbs and launching model Orion rockets. While the projects covered a vast range of topics, the main emphasis of the fair was the students’ understanding of the scientific method and overall Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics development.

Students were asked to pose a question, generate a hypothesis, and execute experimental procedures in regards to their topic. The results of the experiment were then presented at the fair, in which the 4th SPCS judges evaluated the experiment, as well as the overall student’s presentation.

The trip was not only a great learning experience for the students, but incredibly rewarding for the 4th SPCS members who supported the event.

“It feels great to come out and simply interact with the students,” said 2nd Lt. Josh Quarderer. “The best part of the trip was seeing the students’ faces light up when they started talking about their project, you could tell they all learned a lot, and certainly had a lot of fun as well.”

Quarderer’s sentiment echoed amongst his fellow squadron members that participated as well. Both Pioneer Elementary and the 4th SPCS hope this trip marks the beginning of a lasting relationship between Airmen and students in growing future STEM interest and leaders.

And for those who were actually wondering, the flowers grew the same amount regardless of water color, and the fast food cheeseburger molded within a week.