USC students from the Health Science Campus mentored local 5th grade students from three local USC Family of Schools: Griffin, Murchison and Sheridan Elementary Schools, through science and health concepts, curriculum, and potential careers.

Over the course of six weeks, students developed 12 science and health projects to compete the USC Health Expo on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

These science-based entries were designed to introduce students to a variety of science fields, while gaining an understanding of the scientific method and how to conduct an experiment.

Additionally, another 150 students participated in an essay contest where they were asked to write a 1 to 2-page essay about what they can do to help the environment and save the planet.

Dr. Joe Cocozza from USC Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Melissa Gaeke from USC Civic Engagement, Ms. Sevanne Sarkis from the USC Keck Medical Center.

Judges:
Larry Lim, USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Ergueen Herrera, Consulate General of Mexico, Los Angeles
Brenda Vargas, Office of Congressman Xavier Becerra

Winners:
First Place:
Title: Germs
USC Teacher(s): Melissa Agnelo
School: Murschison Elementary
Elementary School Teacher: Mary V. Lewis

Second Place:
Title: Medicine
USC Teacher(s): Jacqueline Benjamin
School: Murchison
Elementary School Teacher: Antonio Torres

Third Place:
Title: Fungus Among Us
USC Teacher(s): Adrianne Tran / Alex Phan
School: Griffin Elementary
Elementary School Teacher: David Valadez

Honorable Mention:
* Tie
Title: Potato Lemon Battery / Eggs fly
USC Teacher(s): Cesar Sanchez /Jamie Han/ Minnie Chan
School: Sheridan Elementary
Elementary School Teacher: Ms. Rivera / Charles Patino

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
Anahy Rico from Sheridan with her essay “We can change the world”
Mary Jane Lozano from Sheridan with his essay on “The Future”
Tabitha Bunch from Murchison with her essay on “Untitled”
Jocelyn Yanez from Sheridan with his essay “Untitled”
Geovany Chavez from Griffin with her essay on “What can I do to Help the environment”
Cesar Ocaranza from Griffin with her essay “Save our planet”

For more information, contact:
Alan Sanchez
Program Specialist
HSC Community Partnerships
University of Southern California
Tel: (323)442-3572
Email: cesarasa@usc.edu