Montco third graders win national contest

LOWER MERION Three Lower Merion third graders won first in the nation last month at ExploraVision, billed as the world's largest science competition for kindergarten through 12th grades.

Lela Miller, Emma Braun, and Lola Hewitt - students at Waldron Mercy Academy - designed a system, the Sea Turtle Assistant Rod (STAR), to protect turtle nests.

Night-vision cameras can record where a mother turtle builds her nest, so scientists can later install a light pole, retractable umbrella, and motion sensors near it. A thermometer triggers the umbrella to provide shade if the nest is getting too hot. And when the hatchlings set off the motion sensors, the spotlight shines toward the ocean so the hatchlings are more likely to run the right way.

For winning first place in the category of kindergarten through third grade, the girls are to receive a $10,000 U.S. savings bond and a free trip to Washington. The competition was sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association. - Jessica Parks