For the past four years, the Texas Master Naturalist Program has sponsored a special award at the Texas State Science and Engineering Fair.
Texas 6th – 12th grade students compete in regional science and engineering fairs across the state during January, February and March to advance to the state fair. The fair includes 20+ categories spanning across engineering, biological sciences and physical sciences. Winning high school entries advance to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
This years event was held virtually and a group of Texas Master Naturalist volunteers from chapters across the state gathered virtually to judge and award two students projects that deals with conservation of Texas natural resources. Many thanks to Lynn Seman, Rolling Plains TMN volunteer, for once again leading this effort and the volunteer judges.
The following two projects and students were awarded the Texas Master Naturalist Conservation Award on April 11th, 2021 in the virtual award recognition ceremony:
Texas Master Naturalist Conservation Award – Junior Division
Save the Turtles: A Study in Microplastics
by Mabry Miller, Isbill Junior High, McGregor, TX
From the TMN Judges:
This young lady had a lot of enthusiasm about conducting her research and hopefully will benefit by knowing that we support her efforts in making people aware of microplastics on the beaches.
Texas Master Naturalist Conservation Award – Senior Division
An Analysis of Dreissena polymorpha downstream of Canyon Lake
by Riley Ames, John Jay High School, San Antonio, TX
From the TMN Judges:
This young researcher got out in the field to conduct her work just like a master naturalist would. She hopefully will benefit from possibly making some connection with others who can give her direction in where next to go with her project.
Texas Master Naturalist volunteers who joined as Science Fair Judges:
- Amanda Fowler – Goodwater
- Art Siebert – South Texas
- Bryon Clark – Bluestem
- Carl Brown – Rolling Plains
- Ken English – Gideon Lincecum
- Steve Ellerbe – Lower Trinity Basin
- Margaret Avard – Bluestem
- Mary Jane Brown – Llano Estacado
- Tina Davies – Heartwood
- Gail and Bruce Bradshaw – Prairie Oaks
- Lisa Taylor – Rolling Plains
- Lynn Seman – Rolling Plains