After learning about biochemical compounds and cell staining, these three home schooled young ladies, from L-R: Martine Redshaw, Naomi Tracy Hegg and Olya Wright, entered the Minnesota Homeschool Alliance Science Fair and won first place for their knowledge and three dimensional organic chemistry models they submitted. Photo courtesy of Kristen Carlsgaard
“The data do, in fact, support our hypothesis: the anthocyanin and betalain pigment molecules from blueberries and beets did stain the nucleus and cell membrane of cheek cells, thus performing a similar function to the commonly used, but toxic cell stain, methylene blue,” declares a young scientist. With her two friends, she summarizes their scientific findings before a judge at the Minnesota Homeschool Alliance Science Fair in New Brighton, Minnesota, on February 8. The judge’s eyes widened, impressed with their “amazing technical knowledge,” as well as their three-dimensional organic chemistry models. The judges and students went on to discuss details of their procedure, calculations, and practical applications of cell staining, such as in cancer research. Hours later, the three Cook County young women, Martine Redshaw (13), Naomi Tracy-Hegg (13), and Olya Wright (14), were announced winners in their age category (grades 7-12). The students earned highest marks in all categories. One judge exclaimed that the work was closer to the level he sees in graduate students.
The three students had been working on their biological research with their mentor, Jeanne Wright, for three months. They had studied cell biology and microscopy previously, and were interested in finding environmentally-friendly replacements that could be used in cell staining studies. They successfully designed an experiment that tested homemade dye extracts that could stain their own cheek cells. Throughout the study, the team enlisted the technical support of Joe Lutz, a retired senior scientist from General Mills. The students not only learned about biochemical compounds and cell staining, but also had an opportunity to practice experimental design, data recording, scientific writing, and presentation of scientific findings. They were challenged to practice teamwork skills, such as collaboration and delegation. One student commented, “We learned that having a louder and stronger opinion doesn’t always mean you are right.”
Over the past several months, the students also studied Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, with their literature instructor, Kristen Carlsgaard. The students and their parents traveled to Minneapolis as the culmination of their studies, presenting at the science fair and viewing the opening performance of the Guthrie Theater’s Twelfth Night. The ride home included many Shakespearian quotes, such as, “[Mother], you have sailed into the North of [my] opinion, and there you shall hang like an icicle on a Dutchman’s Beard.”
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