Fledgling ‘Einstein’s’ Shine at Third Annual Science Expo

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere,” said noted physicist Albert Einstein.

Nowhere was this more evident than at Ranney’s Science Expo ’10 held on Wednesday, April 14. Hosted by the Upper School’s Science Research Club, the event, now in its third year, was a treasure trove of imaginative science-related projects that cut a diverse swath. From exhibits on the “Chemistry of Fermentation & Saponification” and “The Aging Brain” to “The Chemistry of Magic” and “The Uses and Effects of Botox,” this year’s event had something for everyone.

Life-size figures of Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin and even a U.S. astronaut gave the expo an inventive and imaginative glow, but it was the looming presence of Einstein, who figuratively greeted all those who entered Panther Hall —who was a dominant presence at this year’s Expo. Every exhibit on display was emblematic of Einstein’s imaginative vision, intelligence and innovative spirit.

As throngs of students, faculty, family, and friends made their way through Panther Hall to explore the more than 60 exhibits, members of Ranney’s Science Research Club, as well as students from all Upper School science classes, were eager and ready to discuss their projects in greater detail.

Ranney senior Ross Bernstein drew an impressive crowd of onlookers who were mesmerized by his artistry and sleight of hand. Fresh from his successful return as a qualifier in the Delaware Science Fair where he placed third, Bernstein discussed the relationship between magic and science at his exhibit on “The Chemistry of Magic.” Although magic and science would appear to be opposites, Bernstein says that “the mental cues that are given to spectators by direction can disguise the chemical background to certain tricks.”

McCall Torpey, a junior, explained why she chose to explore the effects of exposure to UVL in sun tanning and tanning salons in her exhibit on “Ultraviolet Exposure/Skin Cancer.” “I’m thinking about becoming a doctor, and I’ve always been interested in skin cancer. Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers today,” said Torpey.

Along with three fellow students, senior Conor Fitzgerald’s research project on the “Eco-Survey of the Ranney Campus” tested the oxygen level and soil moisture of the pond by Ranney’s Fine Arts Building. “We wanted to find out if it was a healthy pond that could sustain plant and animal life,” he said.

Jerry Gance, Upper School chemistry teacher and organizer of the event, explained the Science Expo is a great opportunity for students to go beyond the classroom, explore topics of interest, and apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world applications.

“This year’s projects were terrific,” said Gance. “All of the students who participated in the Science Expo spent many hours on their projects and their research was in-depth and top notch. It really showed the imagination, creativity and knowledge our Ranney students have.”

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