The Virtual Voice

Sharing a Love of Science – Virtually!

What do tootsie rolls, legos, erosion, apples, and phosphorus levels all have in common? They were elements included in the winning projects at this year’s Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Science Showcase. The event was organized, hosted, and emceed by the FLVS Science National Honor Society, giving students the chance to share their love of all things science with their families, teachers, and friends virtually.

“This is one of the most exciting projects we do all year,” said Marti Dayton, Co-Sponsor for the FLVS Science National Honor Society and FLVS Science Instructor, “It is so inspiring to see these students grow and develop over the course of their projects – from inception to seeing their pride when presenting to their families and friends.”

Growing in Popularity

In only its third year, the Science Showcase has doubled the number of participants each year. While the Science National Honor Society begins promoting the science showcase in the fall, the process really begins in January when students submit their proposals for their projects, which include their hypotheses, procedures, and items needed to conduct their experiments.

One great addition to the showcase this year was that for the first time ever, mentors were utilized! Experienced members of the Science National Honor Society were paired with new students to provide encouragement and guidance throughout the process. Another exciting addition to the showcase this year was the opportunity for members of the audience to provide positive comments in the chat for all presentations.  

“The Science Showcase is such a wonderful opportunity for all the students who participate – from the members of the Science National Honor Society who learn leadership and mentorship skills, to the winners who learn how to effectively communicate to a larger audience,” said Ms. Dayton.

Planting the Seed

Through the Science Showcase, Ms. Dayton says students can take the skills they’ve learned, such as communicating effectively and how to prepare for a presentation, and use them to excel in their future endeavors such as college or the workforce. 

Just like her titled science project, “Seeds Germinate and Leaves Move Towards the Sun,” Navyaa, a kindergartener and honorable mention winner said, “practice makes perfect, and the more I do the more I grow!”

Congratulations to the 2023 Science Showcase Winners

K-2 Division

1st Place – Olivia W. What is the Quickest Way to Get to the Tootsie Roll Center of a Tootsie Pop?

2nd Place – Bradley C.  How to Keep Apples From Turning Brown

3rd Place – Elise E. Propagation Station

Honorable Mention – Navyaa T. Seed Germinates and the Leaves Move Toward the Sun

1st Place (K-2 Division) – Olivia W.
What is the Quickest Way to Get to the Tootsie Roll Center of a Tootsie Pop?

3rd – 5th Division

1st Place – Ava Z. Smoothing Things Out with Weathering and Erosion!

2nd Place – Benny M. Motor Madness

3rd Place – Josephine S. Sunscreen and Legos vs. the Sun

Honorable Mention – Eloise R. Powerful Produce: The Effect of Temperature on Fruit and Vegetable Batteries

1st Place (3rd-5th Division) – Ava Z.
Smoothing Things Out with Weathering and Erosion!

6th – 8th Division

1st Place – Abigail Marie H. Which Hull is the Most Buoyant?

2nd Place – Natasha L. Which Material Cleans Glass the Best?

2nd Place – Zachary S. Different Degrees? Which Ramp Will Get You the Most Distance?

3rd Place – Lucero Lara M. Substance In Our Water

Honorable Mention – Max M. Keeping Cool in a Warming World

1st Place (6th-8th Division) – Abigail Marie H.
Which Hull is the Most Buoyant?

9th – 12th Division

1st Place – Leland S. Phosphorus Levels in Possum Creek

2nd Place – Kush G. Save Our Oceans – Can Naturally Occurring Organic Substances Help Fight Pollutants in the Oceans?

3rd Place – April S. Using a Machine Learning Novel Technique for Early Detection of Skin Abnormalities

Honorable Mention – Cailyn M. How Can a Sustainable Bridge Be Built?

1st Place (9th – 12th Division) – Leland S.
Phosphorus Levels in Possum Creek

Are you in 10th or 11th grade and interested in joining the Science National Honor Society to develop leadership skills and deepen your interest in science? If so, make sure to apply during Club Rush next August/September. For more information on FLVS clubs, check out our student clubs page which highlights all of our 60+ clubs.

Katie HodginsKatie Hodgins brings her wealth of experience and passion to the FLVS team, assuming the role of Content and Public Relations Specialist. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories about people, places, and opportunities to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is excited to plant roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.

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35 comments on “Sharing a Love of Science – Virtually!”

          7. Weston Dean (Wes)

            Ok! I would consider investing in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians book series if you haven’t already and are fond of reading. If not, you can always go on a well-deserved vacation to, like the Bahamas or maybe a Carribean cruise or something along those lines. If you’re into video games, you can rent some new once from a red box to see if ya like em. 🙂
            Sorry, my ideas are a bit too…boyish. XD

          8. katelyn kiss

            Haha no worries not to boyish for me! I loveeee to read I’ll have to get that book! (lol I don’t think my mom will be happy I already have so many books we barely can keep track and I read them all) Maybe I could try SELLING some books I could earn money to buy some MORE!!! I don’t think I’ll be able to go on a vaycation to the bahahmas but my mom told me and my siblings that we should be going to a summer day camp thing were we go on mutiple fild trips a day!And I LOVE video games I would’t call myself a gamer but I do play my switch a lot (Funny thing is it is a ham me down from my older brother it is about 4 years old and I share it with my sisters) Oh maybe I could blow up my bike tire and go on bike rides around the nighborhood with my mom and nana and I could ride my roller skates!! Oh wow I think I READY FOR DA SUMMERRRRR maybe next school year if we both are still homeschooled we could join one of the flvs school clubs together!

          9. Weston Dean (Wes)

            Yea, we definitely can join a club together! the Coding Club (6-12) might work if you like coding. I know I do. Have a great spring break!
            God bless you! 😀 🙂 😁

          11. katelyn kiss

            YES I LOVE TO CODEEEE haha and yes I am DEFINITELY a harry potter fan!!!One year most of the gifts I got were harry potter related!😀 god bless you to!And I hope you have an AMAZING spring break!

          12. Weston Dean (Wes)

            Thanks! How was your break? Btw I think I’ve read the whole harry potter series like 2 times but I’ve read the last two books like 6 times each so you could say I’m a real harry potter fan. lol 😀 🙂 XD

          13. Weston Dean (Wes)

            Hey! 😀 😁 How was your break? Mine was alright, I guess. I went to a galactic bowling event thing and did fairly well. Got 4 strikes, kinda embarrassing. XD

          15. Weston Dean (Wes)

            Awe don’t say that about yourself…..it just takes practice. Me and my family stayed for 2 and a half hours and I didn’t start to get better till 30 mins before we left. XD This was the 5th time that I haven’t used those bumper things. Anyways, I’m glad you had a nice break. 😀 😁

          16. Weston Dean (Wes)

            Btw I used to play Basketball with my buddies alot back in 4th grade. I’m more into football now….. XD

          20. Weston Dean (Wes)

            I’m good…….whats your fav harry potter book? Mine is either the 4th (The Goblet of Fire) or the 6th (The Half Blood Prince).

          21. katelyn kiss

            Mine would prob be the goblet of fire or the chamber of secrets I use to read them at the library but the library shut down before I finished the series :;( so I’m just going to see if there are any free e-books 🙂 or watch the movies

          22. Weston Dean (Wes)

            That sucks……well hopefully the movies are good. The only one I saw was the first one and I’d say it way better than the book.

          24. Weston Dean (Wes)

            It was great! Me and my friends stayed out. We played basketball, football, we also made a ramp out of cinderblocks and jumped it with our bikes. It was fun, what about you?! 🙂 😉😋Also got some candy and a chocolate bunny that I havent ate yet.

          27. Weston Dean (Wes)

            Hey Kate! I’ve been a bit busy lately, how’s your week so far? 🙂 😀

  2. Mrs. Dayton

    Wow…Science Fair projects were amazing this year. Congratulations to all who placed this year. It was a very competitive competition.

    Super excited to see what next year’s group of young scientist come up with!

    Reply ↓

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