Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Thursday, February 05, 2009

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Yohanna Hanna, a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, has modified a miniature helicopter so that it can perch on a wall.

Twenty-five years ago, Kentucky American Water put on a Fayette County science fair with fewer than 20 participants. On Saturday Feb. 7, more than 600 students are expected to tote their projects to Bryan Station High School and dazzle judges with ingenuity and discovery.

Kentucky American Water established the District Science Fair for junior high students during the company’s centennial celebration in 1985, spokeswoman Susan Lancho said. The next year, KAW joined with Fayette County Public Schools in coordinating the event. The science fair has since expanded twice: in 1989 to add elementary school projects and in 1991 to include high schools as well.

“Through this partnership and all the work of many volunteers through the years, it’s grown to this level,” Lancho said “For us to see this grow and expand and touch more kids’ lives is tremendous. This is one great way to engage students in science and math.”

One senior in the Math, Science and Technology Center (MSTC) at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is certainly engaged in his project, which has tangible, real-world uses.

Yohanna Hanna has been studying physics, air flow and aerodynamics with a mentor at the University of Kentucky, where Yohanna’s is part of a larger project with military applications. He matter-of-factly described his contribution: “It’s a miniature helicopter than adheres to walls, and it’s for the United States Air Force for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.”

The delicate-looking model helicopter, which fits in Yohanna’s hand, is reminiscent of a giant dragonfly. Yohanna fashioned a tiny hinge from balsa wood, added Velcro and attached it to the remote-controlled copter’s tail. Then he tested how a wall would affect the flight path.

The idea is that the pilot would carefully back the helicopter into a building, where it would stick. (The real deal would use a strong adhesive rather than Velcro on the tail hinge.) The copter would then pivot nose down until flush with the building, and the pilot could turn off the main rotor to conserve battery power.

“Yohanna’s solution is similar to the manner in which a housefly lands on the ceiling. The housefly does not fly upside down, but rather extends its forelegs to grasp the ceiling and then pivots its body around,” explained T. Michael Seigler, an assistant professor in UK’s mechanical engineering department, who has worked with the Dunbar student for several months.

“Science fair projects encourage a level of critical thinking that is difficult to simulate in the classroom,” he noted. “Yohanna is a bright student. But even more important to the field of engineering – he is able to think creatively, and he is motivated.”

Yohanna is optimistic about his prospects in the science fair. “I’m hoping for the best,” he said, adding, “Not many can say they’re doing work for the Air Force.”

The details

• What: Kentucky American Water/FCPS District Science Fair
• Theme: “Shining for 25 Years”
• Who: About 640 students from grades 4-12 presenting their projects for judging
• When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Feb. 7 (winners announced at 3 p.m. in the gym)
• Where: Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road
• Extras: The Explorium will coordinate Science Sensation exhibits and hands-on activities between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. near the gym.
• Awards and prizes: In addition to grade-level and category winners, the science fair will include Water Awards and the new Mayor’s Urban Environmental Award. Also, seven lucky students will receive gift cards to the Explorium or Joseph-Beth Booksellers.
• Winners: Watch for the results under “Latest news” on the FCPS home page.
• Next up: Winners will advance to the Central Kentucky Regional Science and Engineering Fair, set for March 7 at the University of Kentucky.