Hellgate’s Advanced Problems in Science congregated with their tri-fold poster boards in the Adam Center on Thursday and Friday to present in the Montana state science fair, bringing home several awards. Hellgate student Devyn Deschamps advanced to the International Science and Engineering Fair in May.
Lea Amish was one of the several Hellgate award winners, bringing home a scholarship to the University of Montana. “I presented about the confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal members’ opinions on implementation of vermin cogenetic research to pharma co-genetic research on tobacco cessation efforts,” said Amish. While some projects are extremely specific, presentations can range from topics involving just about anything.
Being able to discuss topics with professionals that students are interested in is a large advantage that comes with attending the large state wide science fair. “I liked getting the experience of presenting to people who had more knowledge about my topic as well as just talking to people who understood more about my topic,” said Amish.
Advanced Problems is Science is an in-depth class at Hellgate, where students are able to conduct a research project throughout the year and present at various science fairs. This science fair in early April was the statewide fair, garnering students from across Montana to present their projects.
This year is the 69th annual Montana Science Fair. Awards are broken down into categories and different project types. The top three overall winners from the Montana fair will continue on to ISEF, the largest pre-college STEM fair in the world. Hellgate’s Devyn Deschamps is continuing on as the only Hellgate representation at the international convention, beginning on May 12. in Los Angeles.
Advanced problems in science is a favorite for many of the students who take the class, and science fairs are often a highlight in the year. “I like meeting other people who are also interested in science and just like learning about what they think is important,” said Amish. “A lot of my classmates, like Devyn or Faith, and their projects I’m just like amazed by some of the things that they’re doing” she said.
