Jacksonville and Pleasant Plains shine at Science Day event hosted by Blackburn College

Jacksonville High School emerged as a standout at Blackburn College’s 35th annual Science Day competition, taking first place in biology and second place in chemistry. The event brought together over 200 junior and senior students from various schools, all vying for Blackburn scholarships totaling $12,000.

In addition to individual competitions, schools also competed as a group in chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology. Jacksonville High School claimed the top spot in biology, with Carlinville High School coming in third. Pleasant Plains High School secured first place in chemistry, while Jacksonville High School came in second. Pleasant Plains also dominated in the physics and psychology categories, with Carlinville High School finishing second in physics.

Throughout the day, Blackburn professors and students assessed the students’ skills and engagement. Blackburn students were responsible for grading exams and announcing the top performers and schools. High school students had the opportunity to explore college-level courses in psychology, computer science, biology, and chemistry, as well as participate in interactive demonstrations.

Samantha Kahl, a professor of ecology and biology at Blackburn and an alumna of the college, expressed her enthusiasm for Science Day, calling it her favorite event of the year. She highlighted the importance of the event in providing student workers with valuable experience in organizing and executing a large-scale event while also fostering a passion for science. Kahl mentioned the excitement of seeing students engage in scientific demonstrations like screaming gummy bears and exploding vegetables, showcasing their love for the subject.