The American Samoa Science Fair

Emma decided to participate in her school's science fair, even though it was not required for grades below fifth grade. She worked very hard coming up with an idea, conducting an experiment, writing a paper, and creating a display board. Her project was "What are Ants Attracted To?" She tested many different solutions (sugar, salt, juice, soap, etc.) by setting out soaked pieces of bread on the porch and counting how many crazy ants visited each one (Yes, one of our 68 kinds of ants here is called the crazy ant! They run around really fast, zigzaging all over.)

Emma's project was judged by three judges at her school, along with dozens of other projects. Most of the other projects were from the junior and senior high school. She was one of three winners from her school! The next step in the science fair was for the three winners to compete against kids from the whole island, in the territorial science fair.

Emma spent a very long day, waiting and getting judged at the territorial science fair. There were 100 students competing at the elementary level (8th grade and below). She spoke to many judges and each time had to explain her project and answer their questions. Emma made it to the final round that day, but then we had to wait for three days until the award ceremony to find out the results.

Well, Emma won 1st Place in the Zoology catergory and 2nd Place Overall for the whole country!!! We are so proud! She received 2 trophies, a medal, and many gifts. The gifts included school supplies, a t-shirt, and in typical Samoan style: a case of canned Wahoo (basically fancy tuna fish!).