For months, several high school students on St. Croix have been using their Saturdays to experiment and hone scientific skills and knowledge into classroom projects. Now the 22 students participating in the Curriculum and Instruction Saturday Pre-College Research Academy are eager to put their findings on display. The young scientists and mathematicians will bring their awarding winning projects this week-end to the 42nd Annual Agriculture and Food Fair – titled Agrifest 2013.
As the Agrifest theme states, the talented students from St. Croix Central High and St. Croix Educational Complex are prepared to show the public how to grow, eat and live.
“These students have been working with mentors within the school district and in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Computing Center to achieve excellence since September 2012,” said Cheryl Willocks, district director of Curriculum and Instruction.
“The primary goal of this academy is to assist students in developing knowledge and skills to become competitive in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields as well as have the opportunity to participate in research internships at prestigious universities and institutions around the world,” she said. “I am urging the public to visit the youngsters’ exhibits at St. Croix’s Agrifest as we celebrate our success in the field of education through agriculture.”
The academy students will be at their booth on a rotation basis from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday to explain their scientific projects to Agrifest patrons.
“There were five groups, each working with a different topic that developed into a problem,” said District Science Coordinator Rosa White. “The projects are all research based, using technology to drive and create possible avenues for a safer and sustained environment.” Displays will include, Taking Turtle Telemetry to the Next Level, Crabby Mates, Hermit Crab Migration on the Island of St. John, Change of the World’s Pace with Rum Waste, Issues in Monitoring Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Cases and Pretty Poison: How to Control the Lionfish Invasive Species.
For more information on the Saturday Pre-College Research Academy, contact Ms. White or Juanita Boneque, St. Croix math coordinator, at 778-1600.