Eureka! Flathead Valley students have their moment at state science fair

Flathead Valley students showcased their scientific skills at the Montana Science Fair, with Kalispell Montessori School taking home first place in the Division II category. The school won based on the number of students competing and the gold ribbons received. This year, 14 students participated, the largest number to date for the school.

The competition on March 30 at the University of Montana featured 274 projects from 326 high school and middle school students across the state. There are no requirements to compete at the state level, but students who do usually perform well at county fairs. Judges, including industry professionals and professors, evaluated each project and awarded ribbons.

Local winners included Aubrey How, who received awards for her project “Fungi Fighting Plastic,” and Russell Preble for his project “Popcorn Problem.” Other students from Kalispell Montessori excelled in various categories, showcasing projects on topics like water filtration, greenhouse gases, and circuits.

The students emphasized the importance of the scientific method and conducting repeatable experiments. One student, Dino Ferrazzano, explored how mushrooms can break down pollutants, earning praise for his research.

The participants expressed the joy of learning and competing alongside peers with a shared passion for science. Winning was also a significant motivator for many students, who appreciated the opportunity to showcase their research and receive valuable feedback.

Overall, the Montana Science Fair highlighted the talents and dedication of young scientists, with students from Kalispell Montessori making a strong impression with their innovative projects.