Exciting Regional Science Fair Launches in Mercer County: Discover the Wonders of Innovation!

Students from six counties recently came together in Mercer County for the Regional Science Fair. This was the first time Mercer County hosted the event, and there was a buzz of excitement as the organizers welcomed participants.

Kids from McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming counties took part, showcasing their projects from grades 3 through 12. The event featured 97 projects presented by nearly 150 students, who participated either individually or in groups.

Amber Riffe, the Elementary and Pre-K Supervisor for Mercer County Schools, shared her pride in the students’ efforts. “We have the biggest and brightest out here today. They’ve created impressive projects, formulated hypotheses, and applied scientific methods to test their ideas. It’s wonderful to see these kids show their knowledge and passion,” Riffe said.

One standout participant was Zooey Brown, a fifth grader from Mountain Valley Elementary School. She worked on a project about the shapes of sound. Zooey has a personal connection to her topic. “I wanted to make the world more inclusive for people who are hard of hearing or deaf. My dad and his brothers, as well as my grandfather, all have hearing difficulties. It’s concerning when I can be so close to them and they can’t hear me,” she explained.

The Regional Science Fair not only highlights the talents of young students but also encourages them to explore their interests and make meaningful contributions to their communities.