Students Compete at Synopsys Science Fair

After months of preparation, 65 students presented their research projects at the Synopsys Science Fair on Wednesday at the San Jose Convention Center.

The Synopsys Science Fair is a regional research competition held annually. The fair included students from middle and high schools throughout the Bay Area.

For the competition, students had the option of presenting either research or engineering projects. Research projects spanned a myriad of categories, including biology, computer science, zoology, and physics, while engineering projects ranged from electronics to computer applications.

Participants were required to create a poster presentation and abstract for the fair. On the day of the competition, they summarized their findings to a panel of judges, which consisted of scientists, teachers, and engineers. The judges were especially keen on seeing the extent of detail showcased through student projects.

“It was a rewarding experience to have the product of hours of labor complemented by the judges that passed by my station,” Rahul Jayaraman (11) said.

After the judging session, the floor became open to the public. Parents, students, and teachers were permitted to observe the poster presentations.

Physics and research teacher Chris Spenner, who coordinated the Upper School’s participation in the fair this year, mentioned that the fair would be a great place for students to learn about their peers’ projects.

Many students who participated in Synopsys Science Fair used the school’s Open Lab program to conduct their research. Open Lab, a program supervised by science faculty members, is designed to give students access to all the materials and devices they need for completing their research.

Freshmen interested in research also have the opportunity to join the Research Club, which will provide them the opportunity to work with high school mentors in their field of interest.

Selected students will be invited to attend the Synopsys Awards Ceremony, which will be held in early April.