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Experiences thrilling as a result of science fair participation

Real Kids Real Science will spotlight a student and his or her science project each month. Today's column is from Liz Baker, a University High School junior who studied the vocalizations of chimpanzees last year. Read on to see how far one science project can take you.

Me? Enter a Science Fair? There was a time in my life when I didn't even know what a Science Fair was, let alone how to enter one. But, participating in SARSEF (the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair) has changed my life forever. It all began in third grade with a rather messy project about where bugs like to live. And, over the years, I explored types of paint, film speeds, and a variety of zoo animals. My project last year was "The Chimpanzee Vocalization Project: Rediscovering a Lost Form of Communication." It is because of this project that I have had many exciting and life-changing experiences. I found success because I chose something I truly love, chimpanzees. Considering how much time I spent with them, it was really good that I did love them! I ended up spending 110 hours watching the chimpanzees at the Los Angeles Zoo, and had a lot of fun along the way. Because I had so much fun doing my project, I never minded doing the work that went along with it, which made the project even better. When you love what you do, the judges can tell because your enthusiasm shows. After competing at SARSEF, I went on to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held in Portland, Ore., along with four other kids from Southern Arizona. It was amazing there. There were so many quality projects. Seeing groundbreaking science, done by kids just like me, was awesome. I ended up winning a second place in my category at this international competition, inspiring me to work even harder for next year's fair. I had so much fun and learned so much that even if I don't make it there to compete, I want to go as a visitor. And since next year the 2005 competition will be in Phoenix, everyone from Tucson should plan to go! My fun didn't stop at the Portland international competition, though. In early August I went on to China to represent the United States at the APEC Youth Scientific Festival in Beijing (APEC stands for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation). I stayed in a dorm with students from all over the world and roomed with girls from China. While there, we were put in groups of 25 to write a research paper and a play (which won second place) on a scientific topic. I was very lucky and was placed in a group that discussed the cloning controversy. I also got to display my own project so that the Chinese could come learn about chimpanzees. Despite all the hard work, we had a great time. I saw the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. After the 10 days, I had friends from more than 14 countries! My experiences as a result of science fairs never stop. I have been asked to present at the Jane Goodall Institute's ChimpanZoo Conference in Chicago later this month. I have been a volunteer intern there for three years, and was just recently hired - a dream come true. And all because our local science fair encouraged me to explore something that I love. Remember, anything you wonder about can be a science project. As long as you have a question, the quest to find the answer will lead you to success.