Henry Honeycutt and Colin Sullivan, both eighth-grade students at Polo Park Middle School, participated in the State Science and Engineering Fair. The fair was held from April 2 to April 4 and both students were selected to compete in the event.
Sullivan’s experiment, titled “Explosive Sweets,” earned him the fourth-place award in the chemistry category. His experiment was designed to test the explosive potential of sugar particles under specific conditions, demonstrating how small particles can become explosive. This experiment showcases how important it is to understand chemical reactions and their consequences.
The State Science and Engineering Fair is organized by the Florida Foundation for Future Scientists, a statewide nonprofit organization that encourages students to pursue STEM careers. The fair provides a platform for students to showcase their experiments and compete at a higher level. By participating in such events, students gain valuable skills that will help them succeed in their future careers.
To qualify for the fair, students must design and conduct experiments according to specific protocols, document their results, and present their findings to judges at their school. Winners at the school level then move on to compete at the Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair, with regional winners representing their schools and county at the statewide event. This process helps students develop critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and effective communication skills which are essential for success in any field of study or career path.
Reflecting on his experience at the fair, Sullivan mentioned that the event was well-organized and that participants were supportive and friendly. He enjoyed discussing projects with other students and encouraged future students to participate in such events as they can lead to positive opportunities like this one where he was able to showcase his experiment and receive recognition for his hard work.
