Junior enlisted Sailors assigned to submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) volunteered with local educators to judge a youth science fair, hosted at Guam's Harvest Family Life Center, Feb. 25.

Students from Harvest Christian Academy, ranging from junior high to high school, were judged on their understanding and application of the scientific method and on the effort and creativity of their projects.

"The great part about this is the projects are student driven and cross-curricular," said Jeff Borchardt, head of Harvest Christian Academy's Science Department and a physics instructor. "Students have to use multiple studies, like writing and comprehension, to effectively apply the discipline of science. The constructive criticism they get here can help them learn the scientific process better. A handful of students will have a light turn on and we'll see new inspiration for their studies, even better overall grades after an event like this."

Sailors and community volunteers spent an hour studying the visual presentations, and then each team or individual student presented his or her process and findings. Students stood by to answer questions and explain their methods of thinking.

"I was impressed," said Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Mason Cary, a native of Monticello, Illinois, assigned to Frank Cable's supply department and a volunteer judge at the science fair. "These kids were smart and put a lot of care into their research."

Cary went on to say he likes to get involved because it's a change of pace from the ship.

"Seeing students so motivated about learning does something to me, too," he said. "I gave feedback, but to me the students are also an inspiring example in hard work and potential."

Solar-powered cars made from toys, a more cost effective, conductive paint made from grapheme, the effect of acidity and diet on coagulation, and potential ways to combat erosion were just a few of the projects the students chose to practice the scientific method.

"I had a great time doing this," said Daniel Kang, a ninth grader at Harvest. "I finally had a good excuse to experiment with particles! The supplies cost me about $100, but I got to work with a university instructor and use equipment I never dreamt of using. It's cool I can share my work to get judged, too."

Harvest Christian Academy has been hosting the science fair for more than 13 years and relies on volunteers from the community to support the operation.

"We are so grateful for our volunteers and military personnel that come out to judge," said Borchardt. "I'm their science teacher; kids hear me talk all day. Getting feedback from anybody but me can be a powerful learning tool and a motivational experience for student development."

Frank Cable, forward deployed to the island of Guam, conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. Frank Cable is forward deployed to the island of Guam and conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels in the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

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