The vast Harry M. Smith Field House at Robinson Secondary School can seat over 4,000 people and is the size of four basketball courts, not the typical location for a science exhibition. Usually the site of students playing sports and running laps, from March 11 to 13 the field house was reserved for a special occasion: the annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair. In its 61st edition this year, over 650 students from across Fairfax County, including 25 from McLean, showed off their intellectual prowess for one weekend and competed for awards in their category as well as money from corporate sponsors.

The theme of this year’s fair was based off a quote from Albert Einstein, the famous physicist.

According to Einstein, “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.”

Participants from McLean this year explored mysteries of their own through their science fair projects which received Grand Prizes at McLean’s local science fair held on February 8. Most students enjoyed the regional fair and the competitive atmosphere that was present at the field house.

“The regional science fair was an overall great experience. Seeing how good the other projects were and how complicated they were really made me realize how talented and competitive everyone in this area is,” said freshman Neha Rana, who received an Honorable Mention at the fair.

Others were awed by the knowledge and experiences of their judges, many of whom had advanced degrees in the subject matter.

“[The fair] was very captivating and enriching. I got to witness multiple experts on my topic review my project and ask me questions about it,” said sophomore Bennett Verderame.

Due to the effort that was put in, with some students working for over 300 hours on their project, McLean had one of its most successful years yet at the fair, with many participants advancing to the state fair. One McLean student, sophomore Claire Dozier, received a Grand Prize and will advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, being held in Phoenix, Arizona in early May.

“I’m looking forward to hearing the presentations by the scientists at the fair. I’m also excited to present my project, have the opportunity to meet people from all over the country and around the world, and possibly explore Phoenix,” Dozier said. “I think it’s going to be a very educational and fun experience.”

Dozier’s project was conducted on the effect of the artificial sweeteners, aspartame and neotame, on the heart rate of Daphnia magna, a water flea.

“My experiment raises some interesting questions regarding the potential health effects of artificial sweeteners…trying to answer some of those questions is both exciting and challenging,” Dozier said.

Other projects at the fair included a self-designed robot and an app that could identify someone across the street based on the way they walked.

“It was very inspiring to see all the excellent projects from all over Fairfax County. It would be hard to go to the regional science fair and not come away feeling you had learned something new or discovered some new perspective on solving a problem,” Dozier said.

McLean students came away from the fair with one Grand Prize, five first places, eight second places, four third places, and two honorable mentions. Nine projects received awards from corporate and professional organizations, with total winnings of 975 dollars. As a result, the McLean administration decided to hold a luncheon in these students’ honor, where Principal Ellen Reilly accoladed the projects and competitors.

“The luncheon was a really nice gesture on behalf of the school and there was actually nice food which made it even better,” Rana said.

Although participants enjoyed the fair and the subsequent luncheon, they were already looking forward to competing in it next year.

“I really hope to go to the regional science fair next year and win an even higher award,” Rana said.

Other participants viewed the fair and projects by other students as inspiration for a possible future in a science or engineering-related career.

“Both of the students next to me [at the fair] coded their own computer programs specifically for their projects. I was inspired [by these] to make an impact in the field of engineering,” Verderame said.

Participants also had advice for those who desire to advance to higher levels next year.

“Know your stuff. Know your experiment top to bottom. Know the science behind your experiment,” Rana said. “Know everything there is to know about your project.”

Dozier, the Grand Prize winner, offered similar advice.

“The most important thing is to know your material and be able to clearly present your findings so that everyone can understand it,” Dozier said.

Others had advice regarding topic selection, which often occurs during the first few weeks of the school year.

“Choosing a project that is impactful to a field of science or engineering…is one of, if not the most important factor that [the judges] use to choose the award winners,” Verderame said.

While the regional fair is now over, many students will continue to use the experiences and insights gained from this weekend for the future, including Dozier, who will be heading to Phoenix in May to compete at the international fair.