Meridian Charter School students brought home top honors at the Regional Science Fair this weekend, with three projects earning gold medals and advancement to the state competition.
Eighth-grader Maya Chen's project on water quality testing in local streams earned first place in the environmental science category. "I wanted to understand how our community activities affect the ecosystem," Maya explained. Her comprehensive study documented pollution levels across five different waterways over a six-month period.
The robotics team, led by juniors Alex Martinez and Jordan Kim, captured first place in engineering with their autonomous sorting system that uses AI to identify and separate recyclable materials. The project addresses real-world waste management challenges and has already attracted interest from local recycling facilities.
Senior Emma Thompson's research on sustainable agriculture techniques earned recognition in the agricultural sciences division. Her innovative approach to vertical farming could help urban communities grow fresh produce in limited spaces.
"Our students' success reflects Meridian's commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning," said Science Department Chair Dr. Sarah Johnson. "These projects demonstrate not just scientific knowledge, but creativity, persistence, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact."