Young Scientists Honored by Local Farm for Fair Projects

Four Chester students received extra attention at this year’s Science Fair, taking away Special Agricultural Achievement Awards from Alstede Farms for their projects.

Elizabeth Hoye’s project called “Couch Potato;” Sarah Kuzhikandathil’s project on whether seed germination is affected by the acidity and grit of an animal’s digestive system; and the combination project by Timothy Paustian and Sam Szczepanski called “Spiders!!!” were all recognized by the Alstede Family at the March 1 event.

Alstede Farms Farm Steward, Sam Walmer, presented the winners with certificates, ribbons, and a vintage John Deere replica tractor.

“It was difficult to decide whose project was the best,” said Walmer in a statement released by the farm. “All of the presentations were extremely well done. The entrants should be proud of all of their hard work.”

According to the farm, Hoye’s project tested the theory that plants – potatoes, specifically – grow better in the presence of television.

Kuzhikandathil believed that the results from her project would help identify conditions that might improve seed germination for use in agriculture. She discovered acid treatment and seed surface manipulation resulted in a higher percentage of seed germination.

The team of Paustian and Szczepanski studied exotic and local spiders to see what their impact was on the environment.

The Chester Science Fair is open to all students in grades kindergarten through eight. This year’s event had more than 400 students.