Lemon power

A yellow-clad Kinsey Steingreaber, center, explains the science project she and Lillian Wyckoff, right, did for the Central New Mexico Science and Engineering Research Challenge. The Annunciation Catholic School sixth graders used electrodes to try to generate electricity from a lemon. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal)

It would not be quite right to say that the experiment by the lemon drop kids failed.

Resplendent in yellow Friday, 12-year-old Lillian Wyckoff and 11-year-old Kinsey Steingreaber explained that the electrodes they had plunged into a lemon did not generate enough electricity to light their little experimental bulb. It needed 1.6 volts.

Their hypothesis, therefore, was incorrect, the Annunciation Catholic School sixth graders explained in a rapid back-and-forth patter as they waited for the next visit by one of the judges at the Central New Mexico Science and Engineering Research Challenge, better known as the science fair.

They were among 450 local students who gathered at the University of New Mexico’s Johnson Gym Friday to explain their research projects to judges, competing for prize money, scholarships and a chance to advance to state and international competition.

They also came for the camaraderie, said 17-year-old Katherine Cordwell, a Manzano High School senior and veteran of science fair competition.

Cordwell, a math specialist, said the experience of doing science fair and other math and science competitions has broadened her understanding of the subjects she studies beyond what she gets out of a classroom education.

Equally important is the people she’s met, said Cordwell, a veteran of competition in past years at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, where top students from around the world gather to compete.

“I’ve met some amazing people,” Cordwell said. “They’re just as excited about math and science as I am.”
— This article appeared on page C1 of the Albuquerque Journal