On Friday, April 19, 2019, HAPPY held a science fair. HAPPY is an acronym for Homeschool Alliance Promoting Passionate Youth. Students schooled at home met and participated in a fun-filled science day. First Baptist Church in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas hosted this fair.
Set Up
First, the students set up their science project displays. A representation of a variety of interests and age levels showed up.
Games
Next, the students competed in assorted science games, activities, and smaller competitions. These ran from astronomy and making constellations from marshmallows to physics and catapulting Easter candy birds. Other games included pretzel towers and estimating weights of popcorn kernels. Yes, students of any age retain material better when food is involved.
Judging
Around 11:00 a.m. judges arrived to judge the science projects in a neutral, unbiased manner. Meanwhile, the contestants stayed busy in another room.
Winners
Immediately following lunch, winners were announced. Amanda Thomas (age 12) won honorable mention with her experiment on static electricity. Curtis Thomas (age 15) won third prize with a process of solar cooking a hot dog. Angus Morgan (age 16) won second place with an in-depth study on DNA. David Thomas (age 17) won first place with research into computer passwords hacking.
Prizes
Each contributor won a participant ribbon. The champions won larger ribbons and monetary awards. This seems to be an anticipated annual event.
