Eagle students got a taste of life as scientists at the Georgia State Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF) in Athens.  Five students from the research science class chose what they wanted to learn more about while all students participated in other fields, sort of like test-driving the career.

“This class was helpful to get a greater understanding behind the process of doing a professional science experiment and the sheer amount of effort that is put into it. The research process was challenging at times, but rewarding in some aspects. The class also helped me to grow out of my shell a bit and be more social,” Cameron Deweese, senior, said.

Everyone had a project idea by the end of fall break and began their research. By November, the students started testing their ideas, so they could gather information to test their hypotheses. By the end of January, the scientists were done experimenting and began analyzing their data. The students had to complete their science fair boards in order to compete at the regional science fair competition held in Cumming at Forsyth High School.

“I was very nervous to present, but eventually I got more comfortable. It was very interesting to hear the feedback of the judges on my project and hear new perspectives,” Taylor Powell, senior, said.

From that competition, Gwenevere Wrye, sophomore, and Taylor Powell earned first place in their divisions and moved on to GSEF. There, the two girls earned second place honors. 

“It was extremely nerve-racking at first. During my first interview, I was nervous, but by the end of the day, I was proud of my presentations and happy to share my research with others,” Wrye said.

Once GSEF was done, the students converted their projects into research articles which will be published in the school’s science journal, New Science. This journal features the research from other Cherokee County students as well.

“I enjoyed everything about the class, but especially the fact that it was a nice way to do something you actually enjoyed doing as a break from all of the assignments from other classes. It was fun to develop your own project and get to explore new topics,” Rachel Ransom, sophomore, said.

If science is an interest of yours, check out Etowah’s science research class; maybe you will place at GSEF, too!