Dennis Fujimoto | The Garden Island
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A science project that earned Junior Division accolades during the recent Kauai District Science Fair inspired St. Theresa middle school students into action.

The science project, “Genki Balls to the Rescue!” by St. Theresa School sixth-grade students Lincoln Duey, Kaioli Acoba and Jordyn Moreno, is one of two St. Theresa School projects that are advancing to the 68th Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair that will run March 31 to April 2 on Oahu.

Teacher Wendy Souza said the project showcased the sixth graders’ research and dedication to environmental restoration.

“Our middle school students at St. Theresa School joined forces to create 317 Genki Balls and released them into the stream located next to the school to improve water quality and restore the ecosystem on March 11,” Souza said. “Through this hands-on environmental project, they’re making a real impact in keeping our island clean and thriving.”

Souza said once tossed into a stagnant body of water, Genki Balls sink to the bottom where they slowly release positive microbes. Over time, the microbes reduce sludge buildup, eliminate foul odors, and improve water clarity — all without the use of harmful chemicals.

Souza said in addition to “Genki Balls to the Rescue!” St. Theresa School is also sending an eighth-grade project, “Can Somebody Match My Freak-quency,” to the state science fair.

“This experiment by our eighth-grade team of Oliver Alonge, Lily Santiago and Hiiaka Acoba explores how sound waves can be used to control the behavior of wildfires,” Souza said. “This important exploration could alter the way in which states can respond to devastating fires, increasing the protection of the land and citizens.”

“St. Theresa School is proud to send these teams to the Hawaii State Science Fair,” Souza said. “Under the guidance of Kumu Shantel Santiago, our learners have become experts in their field, and are excited to share their work with others.”

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.