Oroville students present science projects

OROVILLE — Curiosity and joy came alive with just a couple tablespoons of baking soda and a splash of vinegar.

A total of 15 students grades five to eight from south Butte County schools presented projects Saturday for the Oroville Kiwanis Science Fair at the Oroville Convention Center

Jenna Fairbanks, student at Ishi Hills Middle School, presented for her second year and this time asked — which tastes better: homemade caramel popcorn, or five different store-bought popcorns?

Polling 41 of her neighbors, Fairbanks brought popcorn to their doorstep and analyzed her data.

Tala Boles, right, student of Oroville Christian School, presents her project “One Bad Apple” to judges at Oroville Kiwanis Science Fair on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Oroville Convention Center in Oroville, California. (Michael Weber/Mercury-Register)

“My hypothesis was that the homemade one would be the better one … No. 6, the homemade one, was the favorite,” Fairbanks said.

After all, Fairbanks made it herself.

“We made promises to bring them caramel popcorn,” said Anna Fairbanks, her mother.

Oroville Kiwanis organizer Laurie Sousa said the students spent their extra time outside of school for this science fair.

Sousa said the Oroville Kiwanis began the science fair in 2023 as something to do to serve the community, in light that their popular Hooked On Fishing ended.

“This isn’t a teacher thing — this is parents helping out. They’re not getting a grade on it unless the school wants to do something like that,” Sousa said. “Our focus is community.”

Students conducted bona fide research analyses of their hypothesis and results — which apple variety rots quickest; which mouthwash best kills germs, among others.

Lilliana Carrasco-Scruby, student of Ophir Elementary School, demonstrates a vinegar and baking soda “volcano” experiemnt during the Oroville Kiwanis Science Fair on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Oroville Convention Center in Oroville, California. (Michael Weber/Mercury-Register)

And, yes, the classic volcano was brilliantly demonstrated by student Lilliana Carrasco-Scruby of Ophir Elementary School.

Students in attendance were from Ophir Elementary School, Oroville Christian School, St. Thomas Catholic School and Lake View Charter School attended the fair, hosted by the Oroville Kiwanis in partnership with Cal Water and the Oroville YMCA.