Rates of diffusion?

Chain reactions?

How to build a better loop roller coaster?

Is the surface of a doorknob dirtier than the handle of a milk jug?

Students at St. Patrick Catholic School in Pelham worked for a month on projects in preparation for their Middle School Science Fair on Wednesday, April 15.

Asking questions and designing experiments is the basis of all science and engineering. Students followed the standard scientific method: hypothesis, experiment, collection of data and interpreting their result.

Along the way, science teacher Mary Martin monitored their progress through journals detailing their research and experiments.

Students presented their findings first to the science fair judges, then to parents and other students. Eleven judges participated, from many professions, including a retired engineer from Ford Motor Co., a research lab director from a local medical school, a computer software engineer and Pelham Town Administrator Brian McCarthy.

First place in eighth grade was awarded to Jennifer Paul for “Charles’ Law.” Kelly McDermott and Ashley Pelletier tied for second place. Third place went to Jessica Newey.

In seventh grade, Max Beland won for “Levitation Vehicles.” Second and third went to Joshua Toubia and Jared Todisco.

Sixth-grader Catherine Nale won for her project, “Determining Blood Types and Family Genetics.” Second and third place went to Kyle Hebert and Carl Berni.