November 12, 2019
By KEITH RYAN CARTWRIGHT
Rutherford County Schools
Caroline Speights has been thinking about her senior capstone project since she was a freshman at Blackman High School.
Thinking ahead led to planning ahead, and Speights was able to combine her summer internship at the Murfreesboro Water Resources Department with her research regarding the importance of clean water.
“That’s a huge crisis,” said Speights, who specifically looked at the effectiveness of water filters. “I thought that’s definitely something that could get me far in this project.”
Speights has partnered with four other students — Kate Blankenship, Megan Roth, Alexis Lowe and Frances Lane — and are hosting a “hands-on science day” for all Rutherford County middle schoolers Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the science lecture room at Blackman.
All four of the seniors will be displaying and presenting their capstone projects.
In past years, the fair has been organized by the president of the science club. This year, Kimberly Baumann, faculty advisor for capstone projects, recommended the five classmates collaborate together.
They have invited all middle schools to attend, but the event is open to the public.
Registration is $5 and more information is available at bit.ly/HandsOnScienceDay.
Those interested in attending should enter through the front of the school, where volunteers will then escort attendees to the fair. Attendees will be able to participate in easily executed science, technology, engineering and math-related experiments.
“Our goal in this fair is to encourage interest in the science field and create a learning environment where students can work hands-on,” Speights said. “While we are hoping to boost female interest in STEM, all students are welcome and encouraged to attend.”
There will be activities in areas including genetics, chemical disperances, space exploration, water filtration and general sciences.
Like Speights, Blankenship, Roth and Lowe have also incorporated their summer internships, which they all obtained through a Rutherford Works program, into their capstone projects.
Speights will lead a simple experiment using lab equipment donated from Water Resources and basic materials — empty liter bottles and coffee filters — attendees will use in order to make homemade water filters.
Kim Burritt, a laboratory supervisor for Murfreesboro Water Resources Department, is working as Speights’ professional mentor.
“I think this project has come together a lot easier than some of my peers,” Speights said. “It’s very interesting because when I was in middle school this is the exact type of thing I would have been so excited to come and see.
“I’ve always been so interested in the science field.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED