Lincoln-West students win awards at regional science competition

(Plain Press, May 2010) Fifteen Lincoln West High School students, members of chemistry teacher Olga Gueits’ Science Research and Investigation Team, participated in the 57th North Eastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair at Cleveland State University from March 15-18, 2010. The group, sponsored by the Multicultural and Multilingual Program from Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) was part of the almost 600 students, grades 7 – 12, from 100 schools in 8 counties participating in this import science event. Lincoln West High School was the CMSD’s school with the highest number of participants and award winners.

Pedro Daniel Reyes won the first place in the category of Behavioral Science, level 11-12 with his research Comparative Study of Sexual Stereotypes vs Knowledge Among Genders of Six Different Ethnic Groups.

Shalisa Basdeo won the first place in the Earth Space, 11-12 category, with her research Extraction and Recovery of Mg and Mn Ions from Sea Water. She also received a check of $200.

Svetlana Leskiv won the second place in the category of Environmental Science with her investigation Acid Rain Effect on External Features of Bryophytes. In addition, she received a check of $275 and an invitation to present her project at the City Club where she will receive another award during the Kiwanis Club meeting.

Sandy Melendez won the second place in the category of Health and Medicine level 11-12 with Aspirin vs Buffered Brands: Micro-environment of Solubility and pH in the Human System.

Brian Madera won 3rd place plus $375 in the Engineering category, level 9-10 with his investigation Environmental Application of PCM of Paraffin for Energy Conservation. He also was invited to present his project at the City Club and at the American Chemical Engineering dinner event where he will receive another award.

Charles Niyowizera, level CHEM 11-12, won the second place in the Chem 11-12 level plus $ 300 with Boning Up Ca+2: Microscale Analysis of Different % Fat Milks. He was also invited to present his project at the City Club this month.

Marialineida Calderon won the third place plus $ 50 in the category of Behavioral Science with her project titled Comparative Study of Race vs Inherited Ability to Taste. This project was given the Cleveland Clinic Outstanding Award.

Jennifer Haoui won the 3rd place in the category Biology 11-12 with her investigation Lysozyme Effect on Region of Root Elongation of P. vulgaris.

Haneen Yehya won the 3rd place in the Category Environmental Science 11-12 with her investigation Recycling Al Foil Paper to Alum.

Emma Moore won the 3rd place in the Physics 9-10 with her research Microwave Energy as Growth Inhibator for Rhizopus in Different Brands of Bread. Also she received the US Air Force Outstanding Project Award.

Karen Resto in category BIO 11-12 won the 3rd place with Coffea arabica residue as Bio-Fertilizer for S. Raphanus.

Sara Gonzalez, competing in the Physics 11-12 category, won the 3rd place with Breakability of Different Brands of Metal Paper Clips.

Gloribel Rodriguez, competing in Health-Med 11-12, won honorable mention plus $ 250 and was invited to present her project at the City Club to receive the Kiwanis Special Project Award. Her project was Non Point Water Ion Pollution in Bottled Water.

Hung Le a ninth grader won honorable mention in the category of physics with his project Effect of Temperature of Water on Electromagnetic Jet Propulsion. Another 9th grader, Phong Phan tied with Le and won honorable mention in the same category with his project Effect of Angle of Wind on Square Sail vs Triangular Sail.

On behalf of her students, Ms. Gueits expressed her gratitude to the class tutor Mr. Huynh Toan. “His artistic assistance and creativity make him one of the pillars of this academic success,” says Gueits. According to Gueits, this annual event would not be possible without the transportation support for the students through Ms. Natividad Pagan, Director of the Multilingual Multicultural Program. This year Ms. Nancy Morales, Lincoln West Family Liaison, strongly advocated parent involvement and was the key in connecting parents to school and facilitating all the science and presentation materials, factors considered essential in this type of competition.

Gueits, who has thirty-two years of experience in this type of competition, agrees with the National Science Teachers Association, (she is member) in recognizing that these kinds of learning experiences, including science competitions, can contribute significantly to nurture success and help students to develop problem-solving skills that empower them to participate in an increasingly scientific and technological world. “All students are capable and have the potential. Getting the funds for next year’s competition is a hard task and a non-stop goal …but worth the effort,” Gueits concluded.

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