By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
March 23, 2012

Nearly 1,000 science fair projects filled the main level of Union Station March 22 for the 61st Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair.

Fourth through 12th graders participated in the event, entering projects ranging from “The Effect of Mood on Test Scores” to “How to Make an Aircraft Invisible to Radar” to “Algae: Biofuel of the Future.”

Seventeen Kansas City metro area school districts participated in the fair, which is considered one of the largest science fairs in the U.S.

“I was impressed,” Special Award Judge Larry Schultz said of the projects.

Special Award Judge Doug Butcher commended the students for their extensive research and compared it to college level work.

“An unbelievable amount of research went into these projects,” he said.

One of their favorite projects was “Battle of the Batteries,” which used web cameras to determine whether bargain brand or name brand batteries would last longer.

Judging the event were 292 scientists, engineers, physicians, educators and other professionals. Top winners in each age group received college scholarships, saving bonds, scientific instruments and other prizes.

Students who earn the Grand Award for the top three senior level projects will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the May 13-18 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburg, Pa.

Projects will remain on display until 5 p.m. today at Union Station.