Science Fair

I wrote this a while back and finally got some photos to post with it (thanks, Mary).
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The college had its Jornada Científica last night, the school science fair where students from the different departments do small science projects to share with their fellow students. Professionals from the Escuela Militar de Ingenería and the Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud came from La Paz to judge the event.

The most dynamic student was a young man named José Luis Chipana, who grew corn and barley forages in germination boxes with different kinds of fertilizers. He won first place in the junior division.




Three groups from our pre-university studies program also participated. One group grew hydroponic lettuce, using plastic-lined boxes with the plants poking out of styrofoam floating on nutrient-enriched water. Very clever use of local materials. They won second place, junior division.



The education department had a group of students who administered a test to 260 of our students to identify grammar abilities. Their results showed that most students have trouble with grammar, and they recommended more emphasis on writing in all classes (duly noted!). They were third in the junior division.


The senior level project that garnered the most attention was a study that looked at using a natural fungus, Beauveria bassiana, to control insect pests.



A shout out to our undergraduate researchers! Well done, all.