On Friday, May 3, students enrolled in Dr. Brian Wargo’s science classes presented their long-term projects in the high school. From the simplicity of the first claim, to collecting their data, to the analysis of that data, students poured out effort to ensure their work would be presentable for the conference. Upperclassmen worked with Wargo to confirm all of the details of the conference. With a new year, came new changes to the structure of the conference as a whole.

Wargo met with teachers to discuss the new seating chart he proposed for the conference. Teachers who signed up to attend the conference with their students were assigned a certain area in the auditorium or the library from where they could listen to the presentations. Students were also seated with spaces between them in order to reduce side conversations and promote attention to the presenter. Phones were also prohibited while presentations were occurring.

Another key point of the conference was selecting the alumni presenters for the conference and drafting the presentation schedule. During the first block, a representative from each of Wargo’s classes presented their long-terms. Students from Physics 1, 2 and 3, along with a student from the Physical Science class and a sixth-grade presenter showed off their long-terms in front of the auditorium. During the second block, all attendees were called to the auditorium to watch the keynote speech. This year’s keynote was presented by Dr. Jacob Beckey, a Freedom alumni who recently got his PhD in Quantum Physics. Along with Beckey, other alumni presented their independent studies and their college/career paths.

Overall, the Science Conference allows students to showcase their skills that they have learned over the year. It also proves to be beneficial for students to be able to learn more about science, what scientists do and how they work to achieve their goals.

“The Science Conference is my favorite part of the year. Being able to see what other students have done throughout the year, while also presenting my work for other students to see is an important part of being able to grow as a student, person or scientist,” junior Thomas Ward said.