IR frosh earns first place at science fair

Indian River High School freshman Jacob Martin took full advantage of the school’s first science fair in more than a decade, assembling a project to study the affects of different panels on wind turbines. His project turned heads in the school’s competition, and again at the county level. And last week he became the first student from Indian River to nab a first-place showing at the regional level.

“The topic really inspired me and grabbed my attention, with all the recent research in the news,” said Martin of offshore wind power. “My project was based on the technology being researched about improving wind turbines.”

At Indian River’s Science Fair, students were judged based on the topic of the project. Martin submitted his under environmental science and earned a second-place showing. The top placers in each category advanced to the county science fair. There, Martin placed second for his grade, and he was then invited to compete at the regional competition in early April, which incorporated schools from the Delaware Valley region, drawing students from parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and all of Delaware. In the regional competition, he placed first for his age group and category, becoming only the second student out of Sussex County to do so.

“I didn’t expect to get that far,” said Martin. “There were a lot of interesting projects, even at the county level. I was excited and surprised that I placed at regionals, let alone getting first place.”

Between the different levels of competition, students are allowed to make improvements and minor changes in their projects, in an effort to be more coherent and accurate in their data. Indian River science instructor Margaret Kimmel noted that Martin did everything he was asked to do, earning his notable recognition.

“Jacob has done a wonderful job,” Kimmel said, “and he deserves all the credit. He looked at suggestions from judges and did all the right things. He analyzed the data and made corrections when he needed to. There were even other wind projects at the fairs, and his really stood out.” Out of 15 first-place finishers, the top three were selected to advance to the international competition. Despite not making the cut for internationals, being part of Indian River history was just fine with Martin.

“I got to see a lot of other great projects,” he said, “and I already have an idea of what to do for next year.”

Several other Indian River students made it to the regional competition, as well. Jane Saunders was recognized with the Association for Women Geoscientists Award, and Seth Furbush earned honorable mention in the botany category.

“I hope that these kids advancing so far brings more attention to the sciences and to the science fair,” said Kimmel. “It was really great for the students who placed, and everyone who participated was really enthused. It gave them confidence, and it caused students to look at what Jacob has done. They’re no longer thinking, ‘Oh, I can’t do something like that.’ They’re saying, ‘Wow, look what Jacob did. I’d like to try that.’

“These students were up against some big schools in the area,” Kimmel noted, “and I hope this turnout draws more students to try and make a difference. I think the science fair is directing kids in the right direction.”