Kīhei Charter students explore ion propulsion, sound pollution impacts on wild birds

An engine that could potentially power a rocket to Mars and beyond; and a study of how ambient sound can affect the call of a Myna bird and change the way a species produces. These are just two of the award-winning science projects created by two Kīhei Charter School students who participated with eight other Charter School students in the Maui County Regional Science Fair and later at the Hawaiʻi Academy of Science and Engineering Fair.

Twelve-year-old Zeveli Andrade’s project, “When Urban Noise Speaks; the Effects of Sound Pollution on Myna Birds,” won second place in the category, “Earth and Environment,” at the Hawaiʻi Academy of Science and Engineering” Fair, and third place overall in The Maui County Regional Science Fair.

According to Andrade, sound affects native birds due to the hypnotic effect of the myna bird calls. How the wild birds react to the myna call can make the difference between life and death, breeding patterns and even potentially affecting the future survival of the species.

With the help and encouragement of his father, thirteen-year-old Michael May built a pilot version of an ion engine for his project “Ion Propulsion.” The entry earned him second place overall for middle-school students at the Maui County Science Fair.

An ion engine can speed the flow of exhaust to very high speeds that are much higher than chemical rocket engines. It can operate longer than a traditional rocket engine, making them the choice for long-range space missions, such as the exploration of Mars and beyond.

Both students also won a highly coveted invitation to be considered as participants at the Thermofischer Competition to be held in Washington, DC, in October of this year. The invitation is for a competition in which a very limited number of students are considered as invitees and possible potential participants. The competition is limited to 300 students nationwide.

With the help of middle school director for grades 6-8, Pomai Pruett, and sixth grade science teacher, Ryan Tregilas—Andrade and May are becoming self-directed learners, a skill they will carry forward while preparing for 21st Century careers.

Zevelli says the science competition gave her “the courage to start something new.”

May said, “As soon as you do the science fair you get to learn what you did not know. It gets you off any problems you may have and gets you to focus on an idea.”