Science Festival

CHS student Richard Stapp demonstrates "Radical Reactions" at the 2007 Festival.

Each year the Prince William Sound Science Center and the Cordova High School Science Department team up to host the annual Iceworm Science Festival. During this fun family event, the Junior High and High School students display their Science Fair projects, the Imaginarium brings a variety of fun science stuff and the National Ocean Sciences Bowl team takes on a team of local scientists in a competition of ocean knowledge.

Below is an article about the 2007 Science Festival.

Community Spirit Shines Bright at Iceworm Science Festival

By Lindsay Butters, Prince William Sound Science Center

By all accounts, the fourth annual Iceworm Science Festival was a grand success. The high school gym was transformed into a science discovery center for an afternoon and community members of all ages were out in force to take advantage of this fun and educational event.

The junior high and high school students proudly displayed the science fair projects and video productions they have been preparing with the guidance of Science Teachers Adam Low and Cara Heitz. Volunteer judges carefully critiqued the projects, and after much deliberation, sophomore Kyle Irving was awarded “Best in Show” for his project on Biodiesel.

CHS student Richard Stapp showed off his science savvy during “Radical Reactions” where he performed a series of exciting chemical reactions for a captive audience.

Education Specialists from the Imaginarium brought 10 tables of Brain Science materials, the Star Lab, reptiles and also performed the “Big Chill,” a series of demonstrations showing the effects of extreme temperatures on solids, liquids and gases. A big Thank You is in order for Chugach Alaska and ERA Aviation for generous financial support that made the Imaginarium’s visit possible.

Also on the event list was the National Ocean Sciences Bowl Mock Competition between the Ugly Fish and the Mad Scientists. The Mad Scientists are a team of adult scientists who challenge the N.O.S.B. team each year to a competition of ocean knowledge. The Ugly Fish, Cordova students Drew Lindow, Ian Americus, Reuben Brown and Trae Lohse, have been preparing since November for the Alaska Tsunami Bowl, the Alaska regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl which place in Seward each February.

The Mock Competition had a happy ending for the Mad Scientists, who studied hard and finally broke a three year losing streak with a victory over the Ugly Fish. The Ugly Fish were undeterred, however, and strengthened their resolve to perform well in Seward. Special thanks go out to Dayna Norris, Rob Campbell, Ken Hodges and Keith Van den Broek for fielding the Mad Scientist team and to our Moderator R.J. Kopchak, Timekeeper Torie Baker, and SeaGrant for sponsoring the regional competition in Seward. Seward will have the honor of hosting the National competition in 2008.

Another highlight of the day was all the scrumptious eats available at the fair, from delicious desserts to hot Harborside Pizza. Thanks to Brian Wildrick of Harborside Pizza who donated soda, sauce and his time in the kitchen making French bread pizzas. All proceeds from food and dessert sales benefit the Science Club and National Ocean Sciences Bowl team.

Finally, a big Thank You goes out to all of you who attended the 2007 Science Festival, and to the scores of volunteers who donated their time to judge science fair projects, bake desserts, paint signs, oversee raffles and trinket sales, help in the kitchen and clean up at the end of the day. Events like the Science Festival bring out the best in our community, and add some spice to the long winters in Cordova. See you in ’08!