Science students receive state award
Robbinsville – The spring planting season began early for two students at Robbinsville High School.
Myley Hyde and Melissa Drouin began planting their marvel green peas in the fall – and not only did they grow a crop of peas, but they also brought home an award from the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair in Raleigh.
“Plant the Moon: Advancing Lunar Agriculture,” received the Rho Pharmaceuticals Innovator Award, which is given to a project that demonstrates exceptional ingenuity and critical thinking in the identification of a hypothesis or problem and the execution of a solution. Rho Pharmaceuticals is a Raleigh-based biotech company.
The pair did not set out to compete on a state – or even regional – level: their goal from the beginning was to get a good grade in science.
The idea for the project began when a nationwide project sponsored by NASA sent simulated lunar regolith (moon dirt) to schools and students were challenged to figure out a way to grow something. Hyde and Drouin chose to grow peas. They reasoned that peas were quick and easy to grow.
Because they began the project in the fall and the results were due mid-November, they knew they needed an easy crop to complete their assignment.
“Lack of resources and growing a crop in the late fall of the year was challenging," Drouin shared. "We kept the peas in the greenhouse at the science room and sometimes the temperature was too cold at night and there wasn’t enough sunlight to be consistent."
“At first, the moon dust was very dense dirt," Hyde added. "We had to use a mask and it seeped through pots. We kept working until we created an environment that held water, but didn’t drown the plants. Eventually, we discovered the right amount of water and compost we needed."
The results were a ratio of 60% moon dust to 40% compost, which could be used to create a self-sufficient living environment.
When Hyde and Drouin competed regionally, they were allowed to have their display – but when they reached the state level, the competition required a 2 ½-hour interview. They felt that both experiences would help them in the future with college interviews and other projects.
The duo is already looking for a project for next year’s competition.
Drouin is currently a junior. She is an honor student who loves to read. Drouin loves all things science and plans to attend college to major in geology or library science.
She hopes to obtain a doctorate in whichever field she decides to pursue. Drouin is the historian for the FFA Club at Robbinsville High.
Hyde is also a junior. She is the drum major for the Robbinsville Marching Band. She hopes to obtain two associate degrees before she graduates high school in science and arts. She enjoys pushing herself farther and obtaining what she can.
She wants to attend college, but her greatest goal is to live for the Lord.