Twenty-three Northbrook Junior High Independent Science Research students brought home 22 gold awards and one silver award from the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Fair held May 2-3 in Champaign at the University of Illinois.

The students presented their projects to a panel of six judges, who evaluated their oral presentations, written work, and the scientific method of their experiments. 

Talia Nayman received the Exceptional Project in Category (EPIC) Award in the Product and Consumer Science category. She tested the effectiveness of sunscreen vs. its price. She said she found no correlation to price. She also found that chemical sunscreen was more effective than mineral-based sunscreens. Her key takeaway from her project? 

“Definitely listen to your mom,” she said. “Use at least SPF 30 and keep reapplying it to avoid aging and to avoid the risk of skin cancer.”

She said the most important lesson is actually doing a semester-long research project, compiling the report, and presenting it to judges. Science teachers Lauren Johnson, Fred Yoon, and Amber Paull guide the students on their projects and then through a school science fair, a regional fair, and finally, a state competition.

“Presenting always seemed extremely scary, as if I could never do it,” Talia said. “I always thought this research was just something that was unattainable at my age. But by being able to do this and having the support system of Ms. Paull and Mr. Yoon, Ms. Johnson helping you throughout the process, it really showed me that this is something you can definitely achieve." 

Five students were also recognized with the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Award, representing the top 10% of projects at the state fair. They are Talia Nayman, Magdalena Mikhael, Alexa Sciortino, Grace Brown, Minji Yoon.

“We are extremely proud of all of our students, especially with their hard work and dedication this year,” said science teacher Lauren Johnson. “They taught me so much through their experiments, and I am honored to have helped guide them to their success with Ms. Paull  and Mr. Yoon.”

Congratulations to all 23 students who competed in the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Fair at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and brought home awards for their work!