How do sight and smell affect taste? Are most students' backpacks too heavy for their body weight? How do liquid nutrients affect plant growth?

These are just a few of the topics explored by more than 40 Northbrook Junior High School students who exhibited the results of their research and experiments during the annual Local Science Fair Jan. 21.

The students in the elective Independent Research Class spent months designing and researching their projects, and presenting their work to their teachers and peers. During the fair, students presented to volunteer judges, who rated their work and offered suggestions for improvement and commendations for the aspects of the project that went particularly well. The public was invited to view the exhibits and talk with students about their projects during the last half hour of the fair.

Based on their ratings, some of the students at the fair will have a chance to exhibit at the regional fair in March. That fair includes approximately 60 junior high schools and high schools in the region, which is considered to be among the most competitive in the state. The highest level of exhibition is the state fair, featuring 1000 student exhibits from around the state, to be held in May. Students who qualify to attend the state competition will attend a weekend session for all middle level students.