By Devin Powell
Thirty talented sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders have raised the bar for the question, “Are you smarter than a middle schooler?” These science-minded youngsters have advanced to the final round of a new national competition, the first ever Broadcom Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars program, or MASTERS event.
Finalists were chosen for their original research projects, which covered a range of scientific topics — from the cognitive benefits of yoga to the physics that gives light to LEDs. Following last year’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill, one student in Texas tested how oil and chemicals that disperse oil impact algae. Another used a computer simulation to investigate dark matter’s influence on rotating galaxies.
In October the selected students will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will present their projects to the public, visit Capitol Hill to meet members of Congress and vie for prizes in team challenges.
“Middle school is the time when a boy or girl first develops independent desires and interests,” says Paula Golden, executive director of Broadcom Foundation and director of community affairs for Broadcom Corp. “Engaging in a science or engineering project at this age may well ignite a passion that will inspire a middle schooler to stay with math and science.”