Canterbury Students Shine at Lower School and Middle School Science Fairs
Curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking were on full display at Canterbury School’s Lower School and Middle School Science Fairs, where students explored real-world questions through hands-on experimentation, innovative engineering, and thoughtful research.
From bridge-building and chemistry to behavioral science and environmental investigations, students demonstrated the depth of their learning and their ability to think critically, communicate findings, and apply scientific concepts in meaningful ways.
This year’s Middle School Science Fair recognized outstanding projects across a wide range of disciplines.
Top Honors included:
- Olivia Fox — You Don’t Know Jack (1st Place, Mathematical Science)
- Eva Mihir — Which Thread Can Take the Weight? (1st Place, Physics)
- Henry Van Zandt — Unseen Interactions: A Study of Materials Affecting Theremin Pitch (2nd Place, Physics)
- Betsy Bolt — Water You Waiting For? (1st Place, Chemistry)
- Lettie Karr — Leaf It To Science (1st Place, Plant Sciences)
- Caroline Langel — True Colors of the Brain: The Stroop Effect (1st Place, Behavioral & Social Science)
- Juju Chenoweth — Is Whitening All It’s Cracked Up to Be? (1st Place, Medicine & Health)
Bridge-building challenges also showcased strong engineering skills, with first-place recognitions awarded to Carter Moy, Bennett Olsen, and Charlotte Madarang for their projects exploring structural design and strength.
Several students earned special recognition for excellence in innovation, engineering, technology, mathematics, environmental stewardship, and project design.
Canterbury students also advanced to the Allen County Regional Science Fair, including:
Regional Finalists:
- Olivia Fox — You Don’t Know Black Jack
- Caroline Langel — True Colors of the Brain: The Stroop Effect
- Betsy Bolt — Water You Waiting For?
Regional Alternates:
- Juju Chenoweth — Is Whitening All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
- Lettie Karr — Leaf It To Science
Lower School students embraced the scientific method with enthusiasm, presenting projects that explored everything from robotics and engineering to environmental science and human health.
Special Award Winners included:
- Luke Wegmet — What Type of Robot Car Can Travel the Farthest in the Shortest Amount of Time? (Isaac Newton Award for Innovation & Big Idea Award)
- Yoseph Shaher — Artificial Heart Pump (Isaac Newton Award for Innovation)
- Mia Starkey — Does Microwaving Seeds Affect Their Growth? (Best Real World Application)
- Brishma Adhikari — Which Bridge Holds More Weight? (Best Use of Engineering & Big Idea Award)
- Anna Wegmet — How Does the Shape of Water Turbines Affect Hydroelectric Energy? (August Steigmeyer Award for Environmental Concern)
- Kristopher Padilla — Why Do Different Materials Affect the Speed of Boats? (Director’s Choice Award)
Lower School students also advanced to regional competition:
Regional Finalists:
- Anna Wegmet
- Liam Raftree
- Brishma Adhikari
- Cooper Caro
Regional Alternates:
- Mia Starkey
- Caleb McCoy
- Shreya Verma
The Science Fairs reflect Canterbury’s commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to think deeply, experiment boldly, and communicate their ideas with confidence.
From testing hypotheses to engineering strong structures and exploring environmental solutions, students across both divisions demonstrated that science at Canterbury is more than a project—it is a mindset grounded in curiosity and discovery.
