Fairfield students win $50K in national science contest, and maybe more

For the second consecutive year, an area high school science club has advanced to a finalist spot in a nation competition, earning their school $50,000 in science equipment with a chance for more.

Students in advance placement physics teacher Kurt Etter’s class at Fairfield High School may have invented a way to prevent pediatric heatstroke, caused when children are left unattended in hot cars.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest officials think they may be onto something, said Fairfield School officials.

The local high school team recently learned it is now among the 20 national finalists in the 10th annual competition, which encourages teachers and students to solve real-world challenges using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills.

Etter’s students developed a device that communicates through a user’s phone to alert them that a child is still in the car.

As a national finalist, Fairfield will receive $50,000 in technology.

Last school year another group of Etter’s students also won $50,000 as national finalists in the contest.

The top three finishers in the national Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest can win $100,000 to use for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related equipment in the classroom.

Students will travel to New York City to compete in the final event before a panel of judges – presenting their project idea and sharing how it will benefit the local community and beyond.

From there, five national grand prize winners will be selected by the judges and awarded $100,000 in technology. In addition, one school will be named the Community Choice Award winner and take home an additional $10,000 in technology. The Community Choice winner will be determined by online public voting.

The world of technology has evolved rapidly over the last decade but the ability to think outside the box and approach problems from new angles continues to be a critical skill set for the next generation,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America.

“Ten years ago, Solve for Tomorrow set out to inspire students through bridging STEM and social impact, and this year’s National Finalists are addressing our nation’s biggest challenges head-on,” Woo said.

About the Author