MPI Middle School Student a National Finalist

Congratulations to Thomas Goodin (currently a freshman at Mid-Pacific) who was selected as a 2008 Society for Science & the Public Middle School Program Finalist.

He is among the the nation's top young scientists. The SSP program is considered to be America's premiere science competition for middle school students.

Goodin was selected as a Finalist with his 8th grade project, "Which Windmill Rotor Pitch Is the Most Efficient?" After noticing that his family's aquarium sharply increased their electric bill, Thomas wanted to design an environmentally-friendly power source. He hypothesized that the pitch of a windmill's rotor would affect its efficiency. Thomas submitted his science project while in 8th grade at Mid-Pacific Institute.

This year's finalists were selected from 1,943 entrants representing 253 affiliated science fairs across the Unites States and Puerto Rico. The 300 semifinalists represent 42 states and Puerto Rico and include 177 males and 123 females. These top young scientists, in 5th through 8th grades when their entry was submitted, won the nomination by excelling at their regional or state science fair.

"Annette Lee has consistently coached our students through these science competitions and they have emerged successful,"said Middle School Principal Dwayne E. Priester, Ed.D. "Kudos to Thomas and Mrs. Lee!"

The 30 national finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a four day event in October. In the nation's capital, these finalists will compete for more than $40,000 in scholarships provided by the Society for Science & the Public. The top 10 winners will be selected based on presentation of their original science fair project and participation in team scientific activities to be held at the Koshland Science Museum and announced on October 22.

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Posted on September 18, 2008 8:47 AM | Permalink