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Bitburg students capture JSHS awards

  • Published
  • By Lynn Smith
  • Wiesbaden High School
RIEDSTADT, Germany --  The Department of Defense Education Activity Schools -Europe held its 35th annual Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Riedstadt Germany Feb. 23 to 25, 2009.

Students from across DoDDS-Europe began their research and experimentation in September 2008. They submitted periodic updates for review, designed experiments, collected data and then wrote a research paper detailing their work. The research papers were reviewed and rated by a team of scientists and professors from various colleges.

The ratings achieved on these reviews determined the student's level of participation at the DoDDS-Europe JSHS. Some students orally present their research in a 12-minute speech. Then they answered judge's questions for six minutes. Other students presented their research on a poster. These students were questioned and judged by a three-teacher plan of judges.

The European Regional JSHS emulates a scientific conference where scientific peers articulate the results of their research. Students also had an opportunity to participate in round table sessions where they talked informally with judges about a variety of topics. These topics ranged from the future of technology to engineering and energy. Students also went on field trips to the Merck KGaA- Chemical and Pharmaceuticals, Frankfurt International Airport- German Air Traffic Control, Biblis Nuclear Power Plant, GSI Helmholzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung Particle Accelerator and Frauenhofer Institute for Structural Durability.

JSHS promotes original research and experimentation in the sciences, engineering, technology and mathematics at the high school level and publicly recognizes students for outstanding achievement. This is done with a goal to widen the pool of trained talent prepared to conduct research and development vital to the nation. JSHS is funded by the Tri-Services -- Army, Navy and Air Force -- and supported funding is also provided by DoDDS-Europe Education Activity.

This year's judging panel this year consisted of Dr. John Parmentola, U.S. Army director of research and laboratory management, Dr. David Klindienst, State College of Pennsylvania and National JSHS chair of regional director's executive council, Dr. Barrett Flake, European Office of Aerospace Research and Development, and Dr. Christian Pfaff, Frauenhofer Institute for Structural Durability in Darmstadt.

Congratulations to the following Bitburg students who were named top winners of the DoDDS-Europe JSHS: 

Erin Schwartz, Bitburg High School student, was named the top winner for her project entitled "The Effect of Different Weights on the Height of an Ollie." She will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the national competition in Colorado Springs, Colo. Erin is the daughter of Susan and David Schwartz. Mrs. Schwartz works at the Bitburg High School. Mr. Schwartz, a retired master sergeant, works with the 22nd Fighter Squadron.

Nicole Boden, Bitburg Middle School student, earned second place in the Middle School oral presentation category for her work, "The effect of lotion on the amount of moisture in synthetic skin." Nicole is the daughter of Darcy and Maj. Stephen Boden, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron.

McKayla Boden, BMS student, captured third place in the Middle School oral presentation category for her work, "The effect of anti-dandruff shampoo on yeast." McKayla is also the daughter of Darcy and Major Boden.