Hundreds of Budding Young Scientists, Engineers Showcase Work at Fair in Arlington

By Dahlia Muana

Posted on February 22, 2017, February 22, 2017

More than 500 students from across the North Texas region gathered in Arlington this week to demonstrate their science and engineering experiments for a chance to win cash prizes and a spot at state and national competitions.

Students in sixth through 12th grade, representing a mix of public, private and home schools from 10 North Texas counties, participated in the Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair on February 20 at the University of Texas at Arlington's College Park Center.

Mabel Sodeinde, Amanda La and Christalyn Amissah-Adu, who attend Summit International Preparatory in Arlington together, were among the young scientists showcasing their research.

"We're all friends interested in science, so we decided to compete together," Sodeinde said.

The trio said their project aimed to investigate the potential effects of calcium propionate on humans. Calcium propionate, a food additive, is found in a variety of foods, including cheese, processed meat and bread.

"It inhibits the life of fungus and mold," Adu said. "We wanted to see if it could possibly be harming human life."

Though they were nervous, the trio said they were happy to participate in the science and engineering fair and see all the other projects.

"We're hoping to win and go to state, so fingers crossed," La said.

A select number of high school projects from the Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair may be chosen for participation in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which is scheduled May 14-19 in Los Angeles. A number of other projects will advance to the Texas Science and Engineering Fair, scheduled for March 31-April 1 in San Antonio.

Click here for more information about the Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair, including a list of winner when available.