The 1st Annual BRDC Science Fair!

The First Annual Blue Ridge Discovery Center Science Fair brought together 6th and 7th grade students from Grayson Highlands, Independence, and Fries to compete for the grand prize- a Phantom 3 drone!

Science Fair Projects are an opportunity for the students to learn more about the world through rigorous experimentation and documentation. The projects answer questions through scientific method or focus on innovative solutions through engineering. Although Science Fairs are competitive by design, they are collaborative by nature, with help from peers, teachers, parents and mentors, students solve the hardest of questions.

At the fair, BRDC staff & volunteers from partner organizations and businesses, including Virginia Department of Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Skyline Bank interviewed the students, and judged their projects. Students, judges, and volunteers enjoyed lunch provided by Blue Ridge Discovery Center and Pizza Plus.

Grand Prize

• Also Fries Best in School: Emily Reeves - 6th grade

6th Grade

• 1st place: Lacy Beduhn and Amie Hamm

• 2nd place: Ryan Perry and Mack Sindler

• 3rd place: Elijah Spurlin and Hayden Walters

7th grade

• 1st Place & Independence Middle Best in School: Maddie Brown and Emily Swinney

• 2nd Place: Anna Harrington

• 3rd place & Grayson Highlands Best in School: Marisa Halsey and Rebecca Cunningham

A big thanks to all the judges: Brenda Bonk, Lukas Burgher, Lindsey Carrico, Aaron Floyd, Marcia and Lance HartJay Martin, Darin Handy, Debbie Kovacich, Jeb Minarik, Zach Olinger, Austin Phipps, and Cynthia Taylor for their help.