Ellis Students Win PJAS Competition Awards
Twelve Ellis students were awarded either first or second place at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Regional Competition held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Duquesne University. Several students won additional special awards of merit as well. Students in grades 7 to 12 have worked tirelessly on their presentations since the fall, spending time outside of the classroom to develop, research, and analyze their original ideas prior to the competition.
PJAS is a statewide organization that promotes and encourages science and mathematics research and analysis among junior and senior high school students. At the competition, students participate within different scientific categories of research (such as Computer Science, Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, Mathematics, etc.) and present their hypothesis and findings to a panel of judges. Once the judges deliberate and determine student’s scores, the awards are announced and all first place winners automatically receive a spot at the final state competition.
Ellis senior, Taylor Robinson won the top prize for the third year in a row (and a full-scholarship to Duquesne University), but hasn’t had the opportunity to attend the state competition since it typically overlaps with final exams. With no finals on the horizon this year, Taylor has her sights set on the chance to compete at states on May 14-16, 2017 at The Penn State University in University Park.
At The Ellis School, educators make students’ dreams a reality by investing in new, innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge technology. The Ellis curriculum fosters science competency in all students through collaborative, inquiry-based, hands-on scientific investigations.The Ellis School is incredibly proud of the hard work, preparation, and effort that went into the competition and students’ performance on Saturday.
Congratulations to following award winners!
Learn more about Science in the Middle School and Upper School.
7th Grade
Makayla Malandra - 1st Place - Are Enzymes in Laundry Detergents Effective Stain Removers? (Chemistry)
Shivani Watson - 1st Place - The Effects of Greywater on Garlic Mustard and Wood Aster (Biology)
Maya Winter - 1st Place - Observing the Synchronous Responses of Horses to Rhythm (Zoology) - Special Awards: Directors Award in Zoology, Duquesne University Excellence in Scientific Pursuit Award, and The Carnegie Museum of Natural History Special Award
Ella Rath - 2nd Place - The Best Way to Dry Herbs (Botany)
8th Grade
10th Grade
Rebecca Rust - 1st Place - Social Media and Self Image, What is the Correlation? (Behavioral)
Lucia Snyderman - 2nd Place - Pennsylvania Moths as Indicators of Environmental Change (Biology)
12th Grade
Taylor Robinson - 1st Place - eHealth: Equity and Efficiency (Behavioral) - 4 Year Perseverance Award - Special Award: Sister Gabriel Maze Award
Pallavi Muluk - 1st Place - Using Geometric Modeling to Predict Aortic Aneurysm Rupture (Biology) - Perfect Score - 5 Year Perseverance Award
Madisen Daily - 2nd Place - Measuring Melatonin in Different Supplements (Chemistry)
Makayla Malandra - 1st Place - Are Enzymes in Laundry Detergents Effective Stain Removers? (Chemistry)
Shivani Watson - 1st Place - The Effects of Greywater on Garlic Mustard and Wood Aster (Biology)
Maya Winter - 1st Place - Observing the Synchronous Responses of Horses to Rhythm (Zoology) - Special Awards: Directors Award in Zoology, Duquesne University Excellence in Scientific Pursuit Award, and The Carnegie Museum of Natural History Special Award
Ella Rath - 2nd Place - The Best Way to Dry Herbs (Botany)
8th Grade
Hannah Barsouk - 1st Place - Hardness and pH of Tap Water vs. Age of Home (Chemistry)
Samantha Silk - 1st Place - Exploring Mechanical Advantage of Pulleys (Physics)
Audrey Lyda - 2nd Place - The Distribution of Pigments in Leaves Throughout the Fall (Botany)
Samantha Silk - 1st Place - Exploring Mechanical Advantage of Pulleys (Physics)
Audrey Lyda - 2nd Place - The Distribution of Pigments in Leaves Throughout the Fall (Botany)
10th Grade
Rebecca Rust - 1st Place - Social Media and Self Image, What is the Correlation? (Behavioral)
Lucia Snyderman - 2nd Place - Pennsylvania Moths as Indicators of Environmental Change (Biology)
12th Grade
Taylor Robinson - 1st Place - eHealth: Equity and Efficiency (Behavioral) - 4 Year Perseverance Award - Special Award: Sister Gabriel Maze Award
Pallavi Muluk - 1st Place - Using Geometric Modeling to Predict Aortic Aneurysm Rupture (Biology) - Perfect Score - 5 Year Perseverance Award
Madisen Daily - 2nd Place - Measuring Melatonin in Different Supplements (Chemistry)
Special Thanks To
Leah Ewers and Lauren Jasper for serving as Technicians
Jordan Merkel who completed a project for Ellis credit
Learn more about Science in the Middle School and Upper School.
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