Science students collect $15,000 prize package as one of two state winners

    Students in Jennifer Gonzalez’s science classes have taken another step forward in the Samsung “Solve for Tomorrow” competition.
    From an original list of five state finalists, Chase County Schools is now one of two state winners in Nebraska, and is competing for a national finalist spot.
    Just being named one of two state winners already means $15,000 in technology and supplies for Gonzalez’ classroom and her students, with more prizes possible.
    “I am very excited,” she said this week.
    “I was not expecting this.”
    This is Gonzalez’ first experience in the Samsung “Solve for Tomorrow” competition, now in its 10th year.
    Its goal is to “spark students’ interest in STEM subjects and civic engagement, while empowering teachers and connecting local communities,” reads the Samsung website.
    STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
    Science projects put together by the team of Luis Co and Eric Gonzalez, both seventh graders, and freshman Madelynn Hanes were entered by their teacher.
    The seventh graders are addressing the issue of energy independence. They are studying a fermentation process for the production of lipids to be used in biodiesel.
    Hanes’ project is studying  the uptake of glyphosate into plants, with a goal of finding healthier farming practices.     

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