Funhouse Fair Makes Science Fun and Lively!

— by Cara Russell —

Rocketship of Wonder Award Winners Ewan Lister and Joseph Brewer.  Photo: Cara Russell

The 14th Annual Funhouse Science Fair was a free and fun family event that was open to the public on Saturday March 29th from 12-4pm at the Funhouse Commons. There were cool and interesting science projects submitted by kids K-12, from Orcas as well as neighboring Islands.

Kids ran and played outside, and ate free hotdogs, while Sharon Abreu and Mike Hurwicz entertained the crowds early on with their musical talent. Observers young and old came to see these interesting science projects.

The event featured all sorts of things, including a diabetic alert dog in training, a rocket stove, a bike-powered radio, the history of papyrus, one child’s discovery of an old growth forest on Orcas, effective disinfectants, tests with soda, the magic of yeast, and a catnip data project.

The interactive exhibits were fun for kids and adults alike. Some napped on a bed of nails, while others played with a large bubble machine. Some watched Ruben’s Tube make fire dance by sound waves. Outside a crowd gathered to watch Orcas Island teacher Brett McFarland attempt to make a large sealed barrel implode from the change of atmospheric pressure inside.

Though many of the science projects worked seamlessly, a few did not. Some sad faces accompanied failed experiments—but that’s science for you. Failure is equally as important as success, and there is always something to learn from both.

Nico Pritchard and Ryan Heath win First Prize with their zero-ommission rocket stove.

Two groups of judges known as the Wandering Wizards, rambled inside and out as they observed and listened to the students explain their science projects. They were hard to miss as they wore pointed wizard hats and colorful capes, and wrote on clipboards while each child nervously explained their project. One wizard’s personal favorite was a student’s observation of the eco-system changes from the pond on their property.

The Community Land Bank had a booth asking the question “How long does decomposition take? Days, weeks, years?” Island Energy and OPALCO were at the Fair, raising awareness about clean energy.

At the end of the day, Orcas High School teacher Mike Buckner announced the winners of the 2014 Annual Science Fair. Every elementary school child received a wrapped prize for submitting a science project. Inside each was a fun toy—glow in the dark stars, grow your own crystal tree, and more. The kids immediately opened and played with their prizes on the floor as the rest of the winners were announced.

The cash prize winners will be able to use the award money toward college expenses.

Winners:

• 3rd place, $350 Luke Pietsch: The comparison of organic fertilizer on plant growth
• 2nd place, $650 Meg Waage: Now you see it, now you don’t—a chromatic adaption experiment
• 1st place $1,000 Ryan Heath and Nico Pritchard: A zero emission rocket stove
• The Richie Moore Rocket Ship of Wonder Award, which is presented annually to the “best of show” entry, went to Joseph Brewer and Ewan Lister.

Founded by generous members of the Orcas Island community in 2000, The Funhouse is a 501(c)3 non- profit community center with hands-on science exhibits, multi-media labs, art studio, climbing wall and more. The Funhouse also facilitates essential Teen, After School, Education and Mentor programs for the youth on Orcas Island. To learn more about the Funhouse Commons visit their website or visit their Facebook page.