Genius in the Making ; Students Get a Taste of Science — and a Chance to Show Their Smarts — at Research Challenge

By DEBRA DOMINGUEZ-LUND Journal Staff Writer

Jonathan Miller got tired of seeing his family and friends spend dollar after dollar on bottled water.

So the 16-year-old Sandia High student decided to put his science savviness to good use by investigating whether it’s worth it to buy bottled water.

He measured the pH, alkalinity and nitrate levels in top-brand bottled water against tap, snow and filtered water.

The result?

“According to my research, it’s not really worth it to buy bottled water,” said Miller, who is showcasing his project at the 48th Annual Central New Mexico Science & Engineering Research Challenge this weekend. “While it may taste a little better, the quality is not much better than tap, snow and filtered water. Their levels are almost the same.”

Miller is one of about 700 middle and high school students from the region who have entered the challenge with a wide array of science, math, engineering and technology exhibits. The students are competing for nearly $60,000 in prizes and scholarships.

The challenge began Friday and will conclude today at the University of New Mexico Johnson Center and Student Union Building. It’s part of UNM’s Science Technology Engineering and Math Education Outreach Program.

Winners of the challenge will be announced during an awards ceremony from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today at UNM’s Popejoy Hall.

Richard Bild, an event master judge and a Sandia Lab chemist, said the challenge is a way for students to experience science in a fun way.

“I like to think that kids who are participating in this challenge — even if they’re not going to be scientists — will enjoy themselves and remember this event,” Bild said.

He added that the science fairs he participated in as a child helped spark and maintain his interest in science.

“The event offers students a chance to excel, receive recognition … and interact with scientists who are leading in their fields,” Bild said.

Albuquerque brothers Joseph Malone, 13, and Patrick Malone, 14, said they joined the science fair because they wanted to learn and have a good time.

“I’ve learned a lot about computer programming in general by participating and have been able to interact with other kids,” said Patrick Malone, who’s home schooled, along with his brother.

“The event’s just fun,” Joseph Malone said. “You get to do and learn a lot about all sorts of experiments, which I like.”

(c) 2007 Albuquerque Journal. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.