This student project was an example of how true science can be sometimes. The students planted their first trials and had a major failure when most of their plants died. Instead of giving up and getting frustrated, they replanted new trials and modified their set up. The students came in routinely before and after school to monitor their plants as well as record their findings in a scientific notebook. They spend quite a bit of time doing background research and communicating with their mentor to brainstorm ideas on measurements and data to collect. They even tried a new technique they had not done before of using nail polish to measure stomatal density. Their persistence and passion to keep learning is what ultimately makes this a Star Project. This team demonstrates the true concepts of being a scientist. They showed persistence as their first trials did not go as planned, but they replanted and modified their set up to re-run new trials. The students came in before school and stayed after school to check plants and record data. They kept their data in an organized notebook and communicated clearly with their mentor when questions arose. In addition, this group was willing to try new techniques and put in research to learn more about the plants. They showed a true passion to learn and discover new ideas.
-- Nichole Schelling, Teacher