Mission accomplished. The first annual Lakeside Science fair provided a public platform for promising local students to demonstrate their knowledge, practical skills and creative thinking in different fields of scientific study.
Held March 2 through 4 at Ajijic’s Plaza de la Rivera, the event showcased 29 research projects presented by high school level students representing five institutions: Cetac, Conalep, Instituto Loyola, Preparatoria Jocotepec and Preparatoria Tizapan.
The program was organized by the Lakeside Science Fair Association (LSFA), with backing from the Jalisco Science and Technology Council (Coecytjal). Intel Tecnologia de Mexico and Dell Corp.
Praising the competitors for their enthusiasm, Intel education chief Luis Lach remarked, “The content of the projects was excellent.” He heartily congratulated the LSFA team for encouraging young people to prepare for future careers in science and engineering.
“We see great potential for developing a strong block from lakeside schools to compete in regional, national and international science fairs,” commented Coecytjal diffusion director Alfonso Olivera Torres. “Our aim is to detect young talent and stimulate innovation.”
Award winners
First place: Laura Patricia Paz Figueroa and Carlos Eduardo Hernandez Luzian, academic advisor Alejandro Navarro Hurtado, Cetac. Project title: Evaluation of Efficiency in Tilapia Production.
Second: Alberto Villa Negrete, advisor Martin Cruz Gomez, Preparatoria Tizapan. Project title: Remote Control Manipulation Device.
Third: Katrina Aldhara Plaza Palacios and Jose Alberto Plaza Palacios, advisor Paulino Garcia Ramirez, Preparatoria Jocotepec: Project title: “I Have Fun Learning Physics.”
Fourth: Francisco Hurtado Felipe, Cesar Alfonso Garcia Camarena and Daniel Alberto Garcia Quintero, advisor Alba Columba Cisneros Vizcaino, Instituto Loyola. Project title: PET Bottle Solar Heater.
Fifth: Diego Armando Rivera Montano and Antonio Martinez Razo, advisor Salvador Raygoza Rivera, Conalep. Project title: Electric Hydraulic Arm.
LSFA split an award purse of 15,000 pesos among the winning students and their instructors. All competitors took home commemorative polo shirts and certificates of appreciation.