I had the privilege of participating as a judge in this year’s Montgomery County Science Day (MCSD) – an annual science fair hosted by the University of Dayton Research Institute. Held on March 4th at the Dayton Convention Center, students from area junior and senior high schools were able to enter one of thirteen judging categories including chemistry, engineering, and zoology.
As a judge for the engineering category, I spoke with one student who built a homemade water turbine generator in his kitchen sink and another that used a tone generator to measure the salinity of water. It was remarkable to talk with each student, see how much they learned, and hear how excited they are about science.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience as a judge. It allowed me to connect with a younger generation and provide them with insight that is not easily gleaned from a book.
The university shows appreciation to those who volunteer by providing free parking, a coffee bar, and snacks in the morning plus a hot meal for lunch. I look forward to volunteering again next year.
For more information about MCSD or information about how you can get involved, please visit their website.
Contributed by:
Nathaniel Reveal
Project Manager