Jr. Hernandez found that age affects memory, and the fifth grader’s work was rewarded as this year’s best science project at Sedalia Middle School.

Sedalia School District 200

After taking first place among SMS Team Stealth entries, Jr.’s project took first place in the annual SMS Science Fair, held March 22 in the school’s gym. Addie Pyle was first runner-up with her project, which studied which substance is best to keep an apple from turning brown; milk, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or water. Second runner-up was Corey Owen, who examined which food an earthworm helps decompose fastest.

Sedalia School District 200

SMS science teacher Logan Patrick said the purpose of the science fair “is for students to have a hands-on experience with the scientific inquiry process. Overall, the students’ investigations were thought-provoking and integrated real-world problem solving. This process was engaging for both students and attendees of the science fair who were able to learn new ideas that can be applied to everyday life."

Top three entries by team::

Team A-10 Warthawg

First: Corey Owen, Which food will an earthworm help decompose faster?

Second: Bode Hayworth, Can dog drool kill germs?

Third: Nora Hagen, Do crystals grow better underwater or on land?

Team Stealth

First: Jr.  Hernandez, Does age affect memory?

Second:  Natalie Newkirk, Which solution dissolves Skittles the fastest?

Third: Emma Shelledy, What causes more germs - rubbing with your hands, humidity in a refrigerator, or coughing on a potato?
Team Falcon , Which bath bomb fizzes the most, homemade or store-bought?

Team Apache

First: Addie Pyle, What is the best substance to keep an apple from turning brown; milk, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or water?

Second: Cole Wendt, Which liquid will stain your teeth the worst?

Third: Maecy North, Will the price of nail polish affect the quality of how long it will last after three days of wear?
Team Sky Raiders

First: Kylar Lamb, Potatoes generate power

Second: Valerie Sanders, Grow giant worms

Third: Shawn Bailey, Location of the sun in regard to season changes

Team Blackhawk

First: Masyn Kruse, Mixing blood types

Second: Brody Wojnarowski, Acidic drinks vs. your teeth: Which will win?

Third: Hunter Brichacek, Electric Fruit

Sedalia School District 200