By Angel Cook, District Science Supervisor
On March 19, Phifer Middle School students and staff visited Camden County College’s Blackwood Campus for the 35th annual Coriell Institute Science Fair. Sponsored by the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, young scientists in grades 6-12 from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties showcased scientific explorations in the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, zoology, botany, medicine, and more. With the excitement of viewing interesting science experiments from all over the region, 73 Phifer Middle School students registered to attend the fair. While the fair has been in existence for more than 30 years, this was Phifer’s first year of participation.
Eighth grade student Sarah Mireles represented Phifer Middle School in the Consumer Science division. Her project, “Which Candle Burns Faster? White or Colored Candles?” studied the combustion rates of a commonly used household item. Mireles’ project was initially developed under the tutelage of her former seventh grade science teacher, Beth Hillmann. After winning in the 2015 Phifer Middle School science fair, Mireles cultivated her experiment for competition in the larger, county level Coriell Science Fair. Her eighth grade teacher sponsor, Tim Gilbride, ensured all project requirements and deadlines were met and the scientific process was followed. At the fair, Mireles proudly explained the dimensions of her investigation to judges and visitors. Hours later, her hard work and dedication were recognized, as Sarah was called to the prestigious Dennis Flyer Theatre stage to accept the third place award.
Participating in the Coriell Science Fair was a great success for both Sarah Mireles and Phifer Middle School. It was a testament to the power of science. An observation lead to a question; a question lead to an investigation; and an investigation lead to an award-winning project with real life applications. With support, Pennsauken students will continue to investigate the wonders of science. The young scientists of today will turn into tomorrow’s innovators.
