BAKERSFIELD, CA-- Science fairs began to rise in popularity in the 1950s as the atomic age was in full swing and Sputnik graced the night sky. Friday night it was fitting that a guest speaker from NASA spoke to Kern County Science Fair winners as they showcased their projects at the Marriott Hotel downtown.
It was one more chance for winners to practice their presentations before heading to California's State Science Fair in Los Angeles in April.
"I just love the idea of using mechanics and science to solve real life problems,” said Lucas Solis, presenter.”
Science fairs have been planting the seeds of discovery and knowledge in children for decades. As was the case with NASA’s Patrick Stoliker who grew up near Edwards Air Force Base attending science fairs. He felt it's important to teach science to youth early.
"It's in the primary, in the junior high ages where you really go to get the enthusiasm for the sciences because they will carry that with them to college," Stoliker said.
And possibly break down gender barriers.
"Historically girl students have been discouraged from science,” Stoliker said. “We got to get them engaged because they are just as good as everybody else."
Twelve-year-old Paige Fontes showcased her project about which type of candles burn the longest.
"In my project it can help people save money when buying candles,” Fontes said.
According to Fontes soy based candles burn the longest.
The event had plenty of animals to entice children to learn about nature and biology. Solis felt the event was more about passing along knowledge.
"I want to show the people especially the kids that science is awesome,” Solis said. Science is fun especially engineering."
It was one more chance for winners to practice their presentations before heading to California's State Science Fair in Los Angeles in April.
"I just love the idea of using mechanics and science to solve real life problems,” said Lucas Solis, presenter.”
Science fairs have been planting the seeds of discovery and knowledge in children for decades. As was the case with NASA’s Patrick Stoliker who grew up near Edwards Air Force Base attending science fairs. He felt it's important to teach science to youth early.
"It's in the primary, in the junior high ages where you really go to get the enthusiasm for the sciences because they will carry that with them to college," Stoliker said.
And possibly break down gender barriers.
"Historically girl students have been discouraged from science,” Stoliker said. “We got to get them engaged because they are just as good as everybody else."
Twelve-year-old Paige Fontes showcased her project about which type of candles burn the longest.
"In my project it can help people save money when buying candles,” Fontes said.
According to Fontes soy based candles burn the longest.
The event had plenty of animals to entice children to learn about nature and biology. Solis felt the event was more about passing along knowledge.
"I want to show the people especially the kids that science is awesome,” Solis said. Science is fun especially engineering."
