North Phoenix Prep Science Fair Showcases Student Innovation and Inquiry

The Science Fair at North Phoenix Prep brought together students from grades 7 through 12 to present their original scientific projects after months of dedicated research and experimentation. This annual event served as a platform for young scientist to demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method and they competed for a chance to advance to the prestigious Arizona Science and Engineering Fair.

Each project had to model a well-structured experimental design, requiring students to pose a researchable question, carry out systematic investigations, analyze their data, and present their findings in a clear and comprehensible manner. Participants were also expected to connect their projects to existing scientific literature, showcasing their knowledge of fundamental principles and their contributions to the broader field of study.

“Science has been done even since Aristotle,” said Sarah Schripsema, Assistant Headmaster at North Phoenix Prep. “I think science really helps us to explore the wonder of the natural and the physical world and even outside beyond our atmosphere and into space.” Schripsema added that the science fair offers a unique opportunity for students who are naturally inclined to scientific study to investigate their own questions and develop critical thinking skills.

Unlike traditional classroom labs, where procedures and outcomes are often predefined, the science fair encouraged students to embrace open-ended inquiry. This freedom enabled participants to engage deeply with their projects, refining their problem-solving abilities and fostering a genuine passion for discovery.

“It’s a good way for everybody to see that we do real science here,” Schripsema continued. “There are opportunities for students who are independently excited about science to explore their ideas in a deeper way.”

The fair concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding projects. The overall high school winners were seniors Colton Bombard, Jaxon Bombard, and Abraham Jones for their project, “Bacteria vs. Plastic.” The overall middle school winners were Anuvrataa Navaneeth and Emmie Lou for their project, “Oxidation of Metals,” where they answered the question, “What are the effects of corrosion on aluminum, copper, iron, and tin?”

These students went on to represent their academy at the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair in late March, where Navaneeth and Luo placed third in the Junior Chemistry division, and Jones was the recipient of a Senior Special Award in the Earth and Environmental Sciences division. They continue a tradition of pursuing the Truth, Goodness, and Beauty within the natural and physical world, a hallmark of a Great Hearts education.

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