Science and Engineering Peer Choice Awards

ODESSA – Over the last few weeks before the winter break, students at Odessa High School and Junior High School were busy conducting independent science research entitled the Second Quarter Research Project. This project is designed to encapsulate the knowledge and the ability to formulate a testable research question, design and execute an experiment with quantifiable results, scientifically compare the experimental results with a control method and discuss their findings with the rest of the class via a formal presentation. Although this project divulges each student’s knowledge regarding science, it also teaches them other skills, such as manipulating technological probe ware, writing scientifically, creating complex presentations and time management.

As each student presented his or her findings to their peers in the program, they all scored one another based on scientific thought and presentation skills. The peer scores, the research paper scores and the presentation scores were collectively averaged, and the top four projects were selected. Just as scientists peer review one another’s research, our students do the same. This has become to be known as the OHS Peer Choice Awards in Science and Engineering and are as follows:

Division of Integrated Sciences: 1st Jacob Scrupps, 2nd Zachary Claassen, 3rd Hayden Schuh, 4th Dakota Steward.

Division of Biological Sciences: 1st Yvette Davey, 2nd Laela Hardung, 3rd Ashlyn Neilsen, 4th Grace Nelson.

Division of Chemistry: 1st Emily Scrupps, 2nd Chloe Winkler, 3rd Charleigh Cornett, 4th Nathan Carstensen.

Division of Physics and Engineering: 1st Maddie Scrupps, 2nd Pilot Weishaar, 3rd Colton Messer, 4th Chase Kissler.