Science Rocks U Students Named as One of Eight Finalist Teams
in National Science/Community Service Competition,
Win Trip to Walt Disney World®

Students Develop an All-Natural, Green Tea-based Sunscreen

AUBURN, N.Y.—May 9, 2008—Bright ideas, solid research and teamwork won four students from the Science Rocks U science enrichment club, from Whiteface, Texas, a spot as finalists in the Christopher Columbus Awards, a nationwide program that challenges middle-school students to explore opportunities for positive change in their communities. Seventh-graders Brisa Brown, Lyndsy Donnell, Anderson Gruhlkey and Chase Wilbanks, and their coach, Laura Wilbanks, made it to the semifinals earlier this month, and now are one of eight finalist teams in the country to compete for the grand prize—the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant.

Concerned that warnings from national health organizations about the dangers of UV radiation exposure are going largely unheeded, particularly by young people, the students embarked on a study of skin cancer—its causes and frequency, as well as ways to prevent it. They were alarmed to discover that, according to the National Institutes of Health, 90% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun. Considering that the American Academy of Dermatology reports that 60% of children under the age of 18 tan regularly—and many are encouraged to do so by the media messages they receive about the glamour of a dark tan—the students concluded that if their peers were better educated about the serious risks of tanning they would be more inclined to practice safe sun habits.

The students consulted with numerous science and medical experts, including from the Lubbock Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, to understand the process by which UV rays cause skin cancer. The student team then surveyed community members to determine the extent of the local problem. The team's findings led to a two-pronged course of action—a school and community outreach program to inform others about "sun safety," and the development of a fragrance- and chemical-free, non-greasy, topical sunscreen formulated from green tea.

"The people in our town reported that they dislike greasy sunscreens," the team members remarked. "Our experiments showed that green tea, which is very high in antioxidants, provides as much protection as an SPF30 sunscreen lotion. Chemist Dr. Mark Holtz tested our formula in his lab with the university’s spectrophotometer and could not believe what he was seeing. He is convinced we are on to something."

A panel of community leaders, scientists and experts in science education selected this idea as one of the top eight entries in the U.S. More than 600 students and coaches participated nationwide.

Team Wins a Trip to Walt Disney World®

The team and their coach win an all-expense-paid trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort, where they will compete in the Christopher Columbus Awards National Championship Week, June 16-20, 2008, plus a $200 grant to further develop their project.

Each member of two Gold Medal winning teams will receive a $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond, and one team will receive the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant as seed money to help bring its idea to life in the community. The Grant winning team will receive support from the Christopher Columbus Awards staff and continued guidance from their coach and community leaders.

The finalists will also attend the Christopher Columbus Academy, a custom-designed educational program. Conducted by scientists, engineers and educators, the program reveals the science and technology behind the thrills and excitement of Epcot® and the Magic Kingdom.®

Positive Community Change

The Christopher Columbus Awards challenge teams of middle-school students to explore and discover opportunities for positive change in their communities using science and technology. The program is now in its 12th year, and has attracted more than 15,500 students from diverse backgrounds all across the U.S. The program is sponsored by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation (www.columbusfdn.org) with support from the National Science Foundation, and is endorsed by the National Middle School Association. Past winners have included: a group of Native American girls who built a study hall out of straw bales on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana; and a team of students from Pennsylvania who developed a video/motion sensor device to deter motorists from trying to illegally pass stopped school buses.

Strong Participation from Girls, Minorities

The program attracts many students who may not typically enter a science competition. More than half of the entrants are girls, and nearly a fourth are from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, statistics that are higher than those of most science competitions. The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation believes the teamwork aspect and community focus draw a broader range of students to enter.

About the Sponsor

The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is an independent Federal government agency created by Congress in 1992 to encourage and support research, study and labor designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind. The Foundation has established Frontiers of Discovery—Work in Progress and Discover the Future, programs that recognize “cutting edge” innovations, innovative ideas of America’s youth, and honor teachers. These programs include the four new Life Sciences Awards, $25,000 Homeland Security Award, Christopher Columbus Awards, and the $10,000 Freida J. Riley Teacher Award.

For more information, call 1-800-291-6020 or visit www.christophercolumbusawards.com.

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