Lompoc area students awarded for projects at annual STEM Exposition

Some students in the Lompoc area recently took part in the 38th annual Central Coast Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Exposition.

Vandenberg Space Force Base scientists and engineers assisted in judging the science projects on display at the Cabrillo High School gymnasium in Vandenberg Village Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20.

Cash prizes from $50 up to $200 were awarded to the 4^th through 10^th grade student winners from Crestview, La Honda and Buena Vista elementary schools, Vandenberg Middle School and Lompoc High School.

Buena Vista sixth grader Michael Lumsdaine, who won 1st place in his division and $200, is encouraging others to participate in the STEM Expo next year.

“The Central Coast Stem Expo was a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to participating next year and hope to have a career in science and/or engineering! To anyone out their thinking they might want to enter next year or any years to come, you should definitely do it. It’s a great experience and nothing can go wrong if you don’t win! You still have the experience of being judged and being able to present and talk about your project. Overall, it’s a great learning experience. I enjoyed meeting the judges and seeing other students’ projects!,” Lumsdaine said.

Nichole Dechaine

Some scholarships were also given.

More than 60 volunteers were reportedly involved in the event where U.S. Space Force Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, spoke prior to the awards ceremony for the students.

Organizers provided the following list of award winners:

4^th Grade Award Winners:

3^rd Place, $50 to 4^th Grader from Crestview Elementary, “Magnetic Propulsion” – Henry Long
2^nd Place, $75 to 4^th Graders from La Honda Elementary, “Electric Lemon” – Alina Rico, Juan Rojas Becerra and Kimberly Salazar Rodriguez
1^st Place, $100 to 4^th Graders from La Honda Elementary, “Solar Oven” – Diego Reyes, Alishba Vega Rivera, Cameron Hawk

5^th Grade Award Winners:

3^rd Place, $50 to 5^th Graders from La Honda Elementary, “Artificial Limbs” – Adamari Ollua, Madalynn Thornton & Madi Orozco
2^nd Place, $75 to 5^th Grader Crestview Elementary, ”Is mascara really waterproof” – Cienna Carrol
1^st Place, $100 to 5^th Grader from Crestview Elementary, “Rocket Science” – Jayden Kitzmiller

6^th Grade Award Winners:

3^rd Place, $100 to 6^th Grader from Buena Vista Elementary, “Ocean Temperatures, PH of the Sea” – London Machado
2^nd Place, $150 to 6^th Buena Vista Elementary, ”Paper Chromotography” – Tabitha Martinez
1^st Place, $200 to 6^th Grader from Buena Vista Elementary, “What fruit will power LED” – Michael Lumsdaine

7^th Grade Award Winners:

3^rd Place, $100 to 7^th Graders from Vandenberg Middle School, “What is the best fin design for wind power” – Jaxon Johnston and Jonathan Mendez
2^nd Place, $150 to 7^th Grader from Vandenberg Middle School, ”Mini-DIY Hovercraft” – Isabelle Liu
1^st Place, $200 to 7^th Grader from Vandenberg Middle School, “Does magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride grow larger crystals” – Calleigh Barreraz

9^th – 10^th Grade Award Winners:

1^st Place, $100 to 10^th Graders from Lompoc High School, “Steam Boat” – Jonathan Lopez and Oscar Zamudio
Hal Seggerman Award to 7^th Grader from, Vandenberg Middle School, “Which soil provides the best growing opportunity for flowers” – Madison Foss
David Covell Aeronautical Award to 6^th Grader from Buena Vista Elementary, “Bottle Rocket” – Marie Frew
George Koopman Engineering Award to 6^th Grader from Buena Vista Elementary, “The strongest weld” – Aubree LaMere
Natural Sciences Award to 7^th Graders from Vandenberg Middle School, “Will ants affect soil fertility” – Alyssa Capps, Halle Curtis
Endeavour Center Award to 4th Graders from La Honda Elementary, “Tornado” – Evan Gutierrez, Leonei Ramirez Santos, Miklo Garcia
Best of STEM Expo, $500 Scholarship, 6th Grade from Buena Vista Elementary, “Solar Energy” -  Zander Flores