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RIO GRANDE - Olivia Longshore, 7, won second place for her science fair entry in the New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair held in Mount Laurel on Feb. 11. Longshore, who chose to compete at the third grade level, won with her project entitled “The Effect of Temperature on the Potato Enzyme Catalase.”

“I wanted to see which caused the greatest reaction when combined with hydrogen peroxide: frozen, room temperature, or boiled pureéd potato,” explained Longshore. “A special enzyme in potatoes, called catalase, causes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to separate into water and oxygen. The release of oxygen causes the mixture to froth, and whichever combination froths the most has caused the greatest reaction. I was surprised to discover that the room temperature sample caused the greatest reaction”.

Longshore completed three trials at each temperature, recording data which she eventually converted into tables and bar graphs. “This was the first time I used the computer to create charts and graphs”, said Longshore. “Actually, I was able to do a lot of things for the first time for this project, including using a sharp knife to cut the potatoes”.

Comments by science fair judges on Longshore’s written critique included, “Great (project display) board!”, “Engaged the judges and answered questions well,” and “Very creative.” Science fair organizer Roy Costa lauded Longshore’s project as being “a great job.”

Longshore, the daughter of Tracy and Michael Longshore of Rio Grande, is homeschooled by her mother. Her favorite subjects are science, math and reading. She is active in dance, theater, book clubs, art, and writing.

This was Longshore’s first science fair, but she already has some ideas about a possible entry in next year's science competition. “I’m considering doing something on color wavelengths. Maybe something about the science of the sunset.”