I had the privilege of being a reviewer at the LBUSD Science Fair held today (in horrible heat) at Cabrillo High School.

Each reviewer was assigned two schools to review: I reviewed Newcomb Academy and Franklin Middle School.

The students had prepared a display (and some had models of their inventions) and a report on the topic of their choice.

It was so much fun to talk to the students and to listen to how they decided on the topic, how they researched it and what they found.

Do you know which spectrum of light generates more electricity from a solar panel? Which type of batteries give out more energy — lithium or alkaline?  Can you make a remote car run without a remote? Which type of bird house attracts more birds? Does 87 octane give you more mileage than 92? Do students know what ectasy is and what it looks like? (This project was done by a very serious student who wants to have a career in “fixing things” such as stopping AIDS.)

The students were great. After I listened to their presentation, I asked which high school they wanted to attend and their plans for college. All but one student knew what they wanted to do..architect, veternarian, mathetician, scientist, massage therapist, doctor…

Despite the blistering heat inside the small gym at Cabrillo High School, everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. The experience brought back memories of when I tried to do science fair projects…and the many, many hours spent with my own children on their projects.