— by Sam Gailey —

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Have you ever wondered if you could make a rabbit jump over a fence, or if a hamster could generate electricity? Have you ever stopped and asked yourself if flubber is a liquid or solid? Has the topic of when humanity might die from climate change ever come up in a dinner conversation?

All of these questions and more were answered on Saturday, Mar. 25, at the Orcas Island Funhouse Commons 17th Annual Science Fair. More than one hundred kids of all ages, and from all the San Juan Islands, participated, showcasing their unique and well-researched science projects.

Strolling through the Funhouse, one couldn’t help but feel the excitement and energy emanating from the young scientists as they demonstrated findings and proved their hypotheses. Megan Heisinger and her pet rabbit, Graystar, proved that positive reinforcement can be used to train animals to learn tricks like leaping over a small fence. Moose Kinsey and Sam Sutton tackled the question of whether you can grow mycelium (the vegetative root system of a mushroom) at home and in a controlled environment. Tayla Malo and Lokahi Anuenue proved that their solar powered phone charger can save a consumer over $300 a year in electricity costs. Hayden Shaefer and Avery Solsbee created a cloud in a bottle using only two simple items: peroxide and a bicycle pump.

A panel of judges carefully observed and scrutinized each student’s science project before deciding who would be awarded the top three cash prizes. Orcas Island High School ninth grader, Tim Jenson, won first place and $1,000 for his project entitled Instrumental Science. Seventh grader, Kaj Litch was awarded second place and $650 for his science demonstration, Disinfecting Public Computer Keyboards, How Often and What to Use? Uma McMurray and Alecia Talbot, both in the seventh grade, accepted third place and $350 for their project entitled Can Water Filters Save Mankind? Lastly, sixth graders Pedro Guerra and Finn Rubottom were the winners of the elementary Richie Moore Rocket Ship of Wonder Award for their project How Temperature Affects Humidity.

Artist and biology teacher, Hazen Audel (featured on National Geographic television’s “Primal Survivor”) did a wonderful job as host and presenter.

The event and the organizers truly conveyed some of the best virtues of our community here on Orcas Island. Funhouse Executive Director, Krista Bouchey, Program Director, Emilie Gincig, and their staff were on hand, encouraging and cheering on all the participants. Camp Orkila was kind in donating the snacks, and the small army of volunteers kept the entire event running smooth as…well, a rabbit jumping over a fence.

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