Students Share Science Projects at Boulder County Fair

The Boulder Valley fair gathered middle and high school students from 15 schools to present their research projects.

Key Highlights

Amika Begin (Junior, Nederland Middle/Senior High) examined the impact of social media on college athletes’ endorsement deals.
Finding: A large follower count outweighs likes/comments, though athletic skill remains influential.
Future Work: Compare athletes of similar talent to refine conclusions.
Event Scale:
142 projects showcased.
~100 judges, many local scientists.
37 projects advance to the state fair in Fort Collins; a few qualify for an international competition in Arizona.

School	Project	Description
Unknown	3‑D Printed Gun with RFID Safety	A safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharges.
Fairview High	Cockroach‑like Robot	Tested various foot materials for improved locomotion.
Siena Halterman (Middle School)	Gel Liner for Dancers	Protects feet from fractures during performance.
Gopinath Twins	Climbing Chalk Comparison	Evaluated grip and environmental impact; concluded no single brand dominates.

These projects showcase how students apply science to solve everyday problems and explore emerging technologies.