Team “Dead Weight” Right On

WEST BRANCH — West Branch Middle School seventh graders Jathan Kron, Justin Roth and Brennan Nelson, along with their teacher, Hector Ibarra, are the grand prize winners in the first-ever Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge.

The students’ project, “Dead Weight,” raises awareness about the dangers of lead wheel weights in vehicles. The students support a ban an lead wheel weights.

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge asked teams of two to three students in sixth through eighth grade to identify an environmental issue in their community, research the issue using scientific investigation, and create a replicable green solution using web-based curriculum tools powered by Discovery Education.

More than 2,000 students entered the competition, which is sponsored by the Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education and the National Science Teachers Association. A panel of environmental experts and science educators reviewed and selected the top projects.

Jathan, Justin and Brennan will each receive a comprehensive prize package, which includes an appearance on Planet Green, Discovery’s 24-hour eco-lifestyle network, a Discovery Adventure Trip, a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a flip camera, a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge eco-friendly prize pack of school supplies, and a chance to present their project before a panel of environmental experts.

Ibarra will receive free registration and hotel accommodations at an upcoming NSTA national or area conference, a one-year membership to NSTA and a 12-month subscription to Discovery Education Science.

Jathan, Justin and Brennan aren’t the only West Branch Middle School Science Club students to be recognized in national science competitions. The U.S. Army’s eCybermission contest selected “The Preventers” and the “Wii-Habilitators” for first-place awards.

“The Preventers” studied ways to prevent backover accidents. The team is comprised of sixth-graders Mason Hays, Madison Lynch, Austin Perks and Rachael Tigrett. “The Wii-Habilitators,” which includes seventh graders Emily Corr, Rachel Lightstone, Ryan O’Neil and Kara Rex, used the popular Nintendo video game system to improve memory and range-of-motion skills of senior citizens. Students on both teams each earned $3,000 in savings bonds and a free trip to the National Judging and Education Event in Washington D.C. in June to present their final projects.

The eCybermission contest also selected “The Bottle Rockets” and “Archy & the Flatfooters” for criteria awards. Students on these teams each received $2,000 in savings bonds.

“Archy & the Flatfooters” studied the long-term effects of flip-flops on feet. The team includes Ann Owen, Sarah Fischer and Alexandra Luneckas, all eighth grade students.

“Bottle Rockets” team members Sam Aspelmeier, Samuel Rozinek, John Wolf and Lucas Lamont advocate the inclusion of sports drinks and other non-soda bottles in Iowa’s bottle bill. The students are in sixth grade.

“Bottle Rockets” also received honorable mention in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, as did “The Green Men Group.” The group, comprised of sixth grade students Bradley Arp, Adam O’Neil and Sam McCrory, endorses reusable grocery bags over plastic.