Students Share Science Projects at Boulder County Fair

The fair in Boulder Valley brought together middle and high school students from 15 schools to showcase their own research. Amika Begin, a junior at Nederland Middle/Senior High, studied how social media helps college athletes earn money. She tested whether likes and comments or the sheer number of followers mattered more for getting endorsement deals. Her data showed that having many followers was the stronger factor, though skill in sport also plays a role. Begin plans to compare athletes with similar talent levels in future work, hoping to refine her findings. The event hosted 142 projects and drew about 100 judges, many of whom are local scientists.Thirty‑seven projects will move on to the state fair in Fort Collins, while a few may go straight to an international competition in Arizona. One high school student built a 3‑D printed gun model with RFID safety, aiming to reduce the risk of accidental discharges. Another student from Fairview High designed a cockroach‑like robot, experimenting with different foot materials for better movement. In middle school, Siena Halterman created a gel liner to protect dancers’ feet from fractures. The Gopinath twins tested various climbing chalks for grip and environmental impact, concluding that no single brand is best. These projects show students using science to solve everyday problems and to explore new technologies.