The junior science researchers competed in the NYSSEF Andromeda Competition fair held at Plainview-Old Bethpage Jamaica Avenue School on Monday, June 3. “Andromeda is a science competition toward the end of the school year, making it very popular for schools to join. Students present their research to judges and compete for awards,” explained junior researcher Eric Reilly. Science research teacher Kathleen McAuley added, “NYSSEF Andromeda is a science fair created for students in high school who have not competed at a regional ISEF qualifying fair.”
Researchers throughout Long Island came to compete in the fair. The day began after the students arrived, signed in, and registered. At the registration table, students received their ID badges, lunch tickets, and Andromeda t-shirts before setting up their posters. After setting up their posters and viewing the other projects, the students got ready to present to the judges.
“My project is entitled ‘Alternate methods to facilitate the nucleophilic attack of alcohols in Fischer esterification: The application of sulfonated silica gel as an acid catalyst and zinc oxide as a UVC photocatalyst.’ My project tests various catalysts to improve the efficiency of producing esters to lower industrial production costs and increase ester yields,” said Reilly.
Junior researcher Kate Santoli investigated “The Effectiveness of Social and Monetary Rewards vs. Punishments in a Learning Paradigm.” Santoli said, “I had participants complete a learning test on the computer while being given different types of incentives to determine which combination of incentives is most effective in improving procedural learning.”
When asked about her favorite part of the competition, McAuley expressed, “My favorite part of Andromeda (and any science fair) is hearing from the students. I love to ask students what their favorite part of their research project was, and sometimes what their least favorite part was, to try and understand the amount of troubleshooting and perseverance they put into their work.”
After presenting to their judges, students enjoyed a Panera sandwich, chips, and chocolate chip cookie for lunch. Reilly said, “I enjoyed presenting to judges in my field who thoroughly understood the project and were able to give me good advice for my future research.” Santoli agreed and added, “It was fun presenting to the judges; they asked interesting questions and were very nice!”
McAuley and the junior science researchers look forward to hearing the results of the competition on Monday, June 17. Reilly expressed, “Although it was very hot in the gym, my experience at Andromeda was worth it. I presented to three judges and got very good feedback on my project.” McAuley added, “I had a great experience! I got to learn about projects from all over Long Island and hear about the hard work that students in grades 9-12 have put into their projects. I want to wish all seven LHS Andromeda competitors the best of luck!”
