Young Scientists Dish Out Best at Expo

Todd Sarkaria spent 100 hours preparing his exhibit on blood circulation for the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair, so the 14-year-old could appreciate the work of his competitors.

The Villa Park High School freshman listened attentively as Nicole Salem from St. Irenaeus Elementary School in Cypress explained the effects of laser and scalpel surgery on the body.

“It was amazing what she was saying to the judges,” said Sarkaria, whose entry is a complicated analysis of the effect of viscosity on blood circulation.

The exhibits, some of which are as sophisticated as graduate-level research projects, the judges said, are on display at the Orange County Fairgrounds this weekend as part of the county’s 17th annual Youth Expo.

Many of the exhibits examine the complexities of everyday life. For instance, Amy Mote, an eighth-grader at La Paz Intermediate School in Mission Viejo, figured out why swings on amusement park rides go the same distance out whether the rider is large or small.

She built a miniature swing on top of a record player and, using a mathematical formula, determined that what really matters is the speed of the turntable, rather than the weight of the objects suspended from it.

In solving the problem, Mote said, she also figured out she wants to become a scientist. “I didn’t like [science] that much before,” she explained, “because I didn’t know much about it.”

The science fair, free to the public, also showcases musical and artistic talent of students from across the county. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: (714) 708-3247.