Local Middle Schooler Colin Sullivan Wins Fourth Place in Chemistry at State Science and Engineering Fair

Polo Park Middle School student Colin Sullivan participated in the State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) with his science fair project. He earned the fourth-place award in the chemistry category for his experiment titled “Explosive Sweets.” Sullivan’s project focused on testing the explosive potential of sugar particles when subject to certain conditions that can cause them to explode.

Along with Henry Honeycutt, another eighth-grade student from Polo Park Middle School, Sullivan had the opportunity to compete at the SSEF. The fair is organized by the Florida Foundation for Future Scientists, a nonprofit that aims to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The event took place from April 2 through April 4 this year.

To qualify for the SSEF, Florida students must adhere to specific protocols in designing, conducting, and documenting their experiments, as well as presenting their results to judges at their school. Winners at the school level then go on to compete at the Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair, with regional winners representing their schools and Palm Beach County at the SSEF.

Sullivan expressed his appreciation for the well-organized SSEF and the kindness and accommodation of everyone involved. He enjoyed interacting with other students and their projects and encouraged future students to participate in the fair as it can lead to positive opportunities.