Submitted article
Special to the Tribune
Eight outstanding students from the Pratt Academic Center (PAC) and Southwest Elementary (SW) showcased their scientific talents at the ISEF Regional Science Fair held at Exploration Place in Wichita. Competing in two divisions, these young scholars impressed judges and spectators alike with their innovative projects and dedication.
In Division 3, which features 4th and 5th graders eligible to advance to the Kansas State Science Fair on March 7th and 8th, Jackson Gwennap clinched 1st place with his project “Measuring the Sun’s Energy During the Day,” while Lea Schmidt earned 2nd place with “Pitch Perfect: Trombone Science.” Division 4, comprising 2nd and 3rd graders, saw Emma Schmidt take 1st place for “Thirsty Plants,” Greya Riedle secure 2nd place with “Do Buttresses Work?,” and Brealynn Haste finish 3rd with “Mixing Light to Make Color.”
Every Pratt student who attended was honored as a category winner. In Division 3, additional accolades went to Gentry Thompson (Plant Science), Zachary Riedle (Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics), Lea Schmidt (Physics and Astronomy), Jackson Gwennap (Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design), and Analei Kemper (Earth and Environmental Science). Division 4 category winners included Brealynn Haste (Physics and Astronomy), Greya Riedle (Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics), and Emma Schmidt (Plant Science).
Other notable projects in Division 3 included Gentry Thompson’s “Budding Duckweed,” Zachary Riedle’s “Catapults: Torsion Springs,” and Analei Kemper’s “How Do Seasons Change?” Division 4 projects also shone with creative flair alongside the top winners.
The Kansas ISEF Science & Engineering Fair at Exploration Place invites students from 1st to 12th grade to exhibit projects across a wide range of science and engineering disciplines. The fair is designed to build research, presentation, and problem-solving skills, serving as an important stepping stone to state and national competitions.
Pratt sponsors, Heather Teasley and Joy Schmidt, expressed immense pride in their students’ achievements. All Pratt students in Division 4 will have the chance to compete at the state science event on March 7 in Wichita. Judging is scheduled to take place from 7-9:30 p.m. Prior to judging the event is open for public viewing from 5-7 p.m. The awards ceremony will follow at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 8 at Exploration Place.
