History & Science Competitions

Every year, H.N.E.S. middle school students have the opportunity to participate in a competitive research project in either the National History Day sponsored History Fair or the Invention Convention Worldwide.  Invention Convention Worldwide is a global K-12 invention education program that teaches students problem-identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and creativity skills and builds confidence in invention, innovation and entrepreneurship for life.

The H.N.E.S. History Fair is held in February each year.  A panel of judges is assembled from local community leaders, college professors, Students compete at  H.N.E.S.  Based on the district’s requirements, our 1st and 2nd place winners advance to the local Tom Barefield History Fair district competition and possibly to the Florida History Day competition and the National History Day fair.  

This competition enhances the teaching and learning of history by promoting the student's opportunity to do original research about people, ideas, and events of the past. This year's National History Day theme is "Communication in History". Students at H.N.E.S. have the option to present their research findings while choosing from a wide-spectrum of format categories including a paper, exhibit, performance, documentary or website. This opens up a student's opportunity to learn in a variety of ways resulting in improved writing, analyzing, and critical thinking skills. 

The 7th grade science students participate in the H.N.E.S. Invention Convention in February.  Invention Convention Worldwide is held in March.  The competition encourages STEM + invention + entrepreneurship STEMIE.  In today's changing world proficiency in technology, science, math, and creativity matter more than ever.  Participation in this program encourages student's creativity and fosters critical problem solving skills.  Here at the H.N.E.S. Invention Convention a panel of judges is assembled from the Naval Support Activity.  The winners advance from the school's competition to the District, State, and then advance to The Henry Ford and Invention Convention Worldwide.  

All Sixth graders at HNES are required to complete a History Fair Project. Seventh graders participate in the Invention Convention, while Eighth graders have the choice of completing either a History Fair or the Invention Convention. Designated class time is provided to all Middle School students to work on their projects under the guidance of a teacher, although all projects are independently researched and student driven. Take a look below at all of our inventors, scientists, and historians.  We are very proud of their hard work, determination, and dedication.  

 2020-2021 History Fair

2020-2021 Invention Convention

"Our seventh graders tackled a variety of real-world problems and came up with innovative solutions.  I could not be prouder of their efforts!  Each of the seven Holy Nativity projects that were selected for district-wide competition placed in their category, and five of those projects will advance to national competition.  I can't wait to see the future achievements of these young innovators and the positive impacts of their creativity and critical thinking." 

                                                                                    -Middle School Science Teacher Mrs. Jan Dykes

Natalie Latham, 1st Place in Agriculture, Pets, and Animal Care; Selected to Advance to National Competition

Aiden Nowak and Olivia Heiser, 1st Place in Government/Public Safety; Selected to Advance to National Competition

Paizly Torres, 1st Place in Health and Medical Technology; Selected to Advance to National Competition; Special Award for Best Junior Level Prototype of the Competition

Brayden Little Dog, 1st Place in Home Technology, Smart Homes, Appliances;  Selected to Advance to National Competition; Special Award from NOAA for Environmental Stewardship; "Autonomous Systems Award" from Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition

Gregory Rohan and Evan Cox, 2nd Place in Sports, Games, Entertainment, and Toys;  Selected to Advance to National Competition

Grady Oenbrink, 3rd Place in Sports, Games, Entertainment, and Toys

Jonathan Gaither, 3rd Place in Technology/Wearables; Special Award from GCSC Entrepreneurship Program for "Best Social Enterprise"