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Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., sponsors science fair for teens
Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., sponsored a science fair for teens on May 20.
By Tawanda W. Johnson
The aspiring scientists buzzed with excitement as they readied their presentations for the Dr. Betty Shabazz Academy science fair sponsored by the Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
About 10 girls who participate in the academy’s mentorship program set up posters and props at the fair held May 20 at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel.
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“Oohs and aahs” wafted throughout the room as the young ladies prepared on topics that included DNA, building structures, water evaporation, natural hair, chocolate chip cookies, bath bombs and many other subjects.
Sarah Al-Yaseri, a student at Thomas Viaduct Middle School, was declared the winner of the science fair after presenting on the ins and outs of DNA.
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“I was so surprised,” said Sarah, who also captured the top prize in last year’s science fair. This year, her project included background information on the make-up of genetic material and colorful presentations of DNA belonging to a human, snake and butterfly.
Second- and third-place prizes went to Zenaida Modeste and Jasmine Conyers. Amari Catlett-Muhammad took home the honorable mention distinction. Zenaida, Jasmine and Amari all attend Martin Luther King Middle School.
G. Diane Lee-McGowan, co-chair of the academy and a physical scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, said she was proud of the participants.
“You all are winners,” she told them as they were presented with certificates and medals.
McGowan said the goal of the fair is to raise the awareness of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers among young people.
“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for all STEM occupations is $85,570, nearly double the number for all other occupations, which is $47, 230,” said told the girls.
She added that STEM careers are exciting.
“There’s so much to do and discover in science,” said Lee-McGowan.
