At Blackburn College’s 35th annual Science Day competition, Jacksonville High School emerged as a standout among the over 200 junior and senior students from various schools vying for scholarships worth $12,000.
In addition to individual competitions, schools also competed as a group in chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology. Jacksonville High School took first place in biology and second place in chemistry. Pleasant Plains High School claimed first place in both chemistry and physics, with Carlinville High School finishing second in physics.
Throughout the day, Blackburn professors and students assessed the students’ skills and engagement. Blackburn students were responsible for grading exams and announcing the top performers and schools. High school students had the opportunity to explore college-level courses in psychology, computer science, biology, and chemistry as well as participate in interactive demonstrations.
Samantha Kahl, a professor of ecology and biology at Blackburn College and an alumna of the institution expressed her excitement about Science Day calling it her favorite event of the year. She highlighted its importance in providing student workers with valuable experience organizing large-scale events while fostering a passion for science among young minds. Kahl emphasized that scientific demonstrations like screaming gummy bears and exploding vegetables showcase students’ love for science and their creativity.
Overall Science Day is an excellent opportunity for high school students to engage with science on a deeper level while competing against their peers from other schools. It provides them with valuable experiences that they can take with them into their future careers in STEM fields.
