COTTONBALLING THE COAST?: Problem solving Marlins take on timely topic in science project (with STUDENT VIEWS)

BP Global and the U.S. government may need to make a trip to Destin Middle School (DMS), where Shelton Conner and Riley Carr have showcased their ideas for Gulf Coast shoreline safeguards.

The boys’ project is on display in the school’s media center, with the rest of the 5^th Grade French and Fine Arts Program Science Fair. Their work was awarded first place in its category and the honor of “Best in Show.”

Conner and Carr decided that it would be most appropriate for their entry in the fair to tackle oil — the issue that is on every local’s radar.

“Our project is really relevant with what’s going on,” said Conner.

The boys’ project, entitled “Oil Sorbents: Which works best?”, tested different materials and their ability to absorb oil. The materials they chose to test were hair, sponge and cotton, which were place in a mixture of water and vegetable oil.

Like all science projects, this one began with a hypothesis. But after their experiments were completed, the pair came to a much different outcome than they had anticipated.

“We thought the sponges were going to be the best. We thought the cotton balls were going to sink to the bottom,” said Carr. “But in five minutes it soaked up a cup of oil with just 20 cotton balls.”

Conner and Carr’s teacher, Leah McGill, is extremely impressed with the boys’ understanding of the opportunity to take a legitimate stab at a topic that is so relevant.

“I think we need to get Johnson & Johnson involved,” said McGill.

In an interview with The Log, the amateur scientists were asked, “How many cotton balls do you think it would take to clean up all the oil?”

Carr replied, “Over 250,000, or like a million.”

Conner then answered, “More than what he said,” gesturing to Carr.

Science Fair Award Winners:

“Best in Show”

Riley Carr & Shelton Conner

“Animal Sciences”

1st – Hannah Hellerstedt & Jackie Zannetti
2nd – Isabelle Meadows & Kate Blanchard

“Behavioral & Social Sciences”

1st – Colt Buckingham & Jason Shirley
2nd – Gabe Hristovsky & Matthew Woods
3rd – Matthew Boswell & Chandler Carlyle

“Plant Sciences – Botany”

1st – Stephen Spivey
2nd – Bailee Giana & Gabrielle Cox-Dufault
3rd – Stefani Alderfer & Ashley Sexton

“Chemistry”

1st – Riley Carr & Shelton Conner
2nd – Adam Provler
3rd – Jacob Abraham

“Engineering”

1st – Jack Bruner & Trey Fell
2nd – Artie Troell

“Environmental Science”

1st – Steven Nordlie

“Physics”

1st – Mark Makela
2nd – Faith Ford

The Gulf Oil Spill: Through the eyes of a fifth grader

Destin Middle School French and Fine Arts Program teacher Leah McGill asked her fifth grader to write their thoughts on the oil situation in the Gulf to BP Global. Here are some of their ideas.

“I hope you’re getting as much help as you can from people all over the globe, because when I have a problem I go to my friends, my parents, my grandparents or my teacher. It really helps. You better to the same.” — Cayenne Caluger

“I think you should get cotton balls and put them where oil is, let them soak up the oil then get them out with like strainers or something. I think that is a good idea. Well got to go!” — Marie Lou Echols

“It’s okay to ask for help. I’m not bashing you, I’m not blaming you, threatening you, or telling you to stop being lazy. I’m just suggesting that you ask for help. I may only be 12-years-old, but I hope you read this letter regardless.” — Matthew Woods

“Well first I think you should get the best scientists in the world together. Give them a week to see what they can come up with. Then test it out and see if it works.” — Cameron May

“I think that to help stop the leak you guys should let other oil companies help you. Now I know what you’re thinking, ‘What does a twelve year old know about stopping an oil leak?’ But I know when I’m stopped by something I like someone’s help. So take a moment and chew that over.” — Riley Carr

“I’ve heard over 12 countries have offered help and you guys turned them down. I may just be a tiny little 11-year-old that lives in Destin, but sometimes it’s okay to ask for help.” — Kate Blanchard

“Please get help from other environmentalists and save our beaches.” — Isabelle Meadows