Explosive Sweets: Sullivan’s Chemistry Experiment Wins Fourth Place at Florida State Science and Engineering Fair
Henry Honeycutt, a fellow eighth-grade student at Polo Park Middle School, participated in the State Science and Engineering Fair alongside Colin Sullivan. Both students were chosen to compete in the fair, which took place from April 2 to April 4.
Sullivan’s experiment titled “Explosive Sweets” earned him a fourth-place award in the chemistry category. The experiment aimed to test the explosive potential of sugar particles under certain conditions, demonstrating how small particles can become dangerous.
The State Science and Engineering Fair is organized by the Florida Foundation for Future Scientists, a statewide nonprofit organization that motivates students to pursue STEM careers. The fair serves as a platform for students to showcase their experiments and compete against each other at a higher level.
To be eligible for the fair, students must design and conduct experiments according to specific protocols, document their results and present their findings to judges at their school level. Winners from the school level advance to compete at the Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair, with regional winners representing their schools and counties at the statewide event.
When reflecting on his experience at the fair, Sullivan expressed his satisfaction with its organization and how supportive and friendly participants were towards one another. He enjoyed discussing projects with other students and encouraged future participants to participate in such events as they can lead to positive opportunities.
