It's a common legend that animals can sense a storm before humans, but is it true?

That's the question that Old Colony sophomore Amanda Hannon set out to test as part of her science project for Old Colony's first STEM Showcase.

The sophomore carpentry student struck out on a completely different path for her project. Using air pressure readings from the National Weather Service and information from state-owned game-tracking cameras (as well as cameras set up on her own property), Hannon studied animal responses when storms were inbound. She found that there was an increase in animal activity as air pressure dropped. Her conclusion suggested further testing to track additional weather variables.

The hard work paid off - Hannon won first place at the showcase for her project. "I was surprised!" she said of her win. "There were so many amazing projects."

Hannon's science project - along with all other projects displayed - was born of student curiosity, said Old Colony science teacher Laurie Smith. The students dreamed up what they wanted to study themselves, rather than from book direction.

The result was unique and intensive projects. One student, who swore that a blocked nose made food taste different, studied how the olfactory (smelling) sense can impact the taste of food, and tossed out possible dietary solutions based on that data.

"I've worked at the college level and haven't always seen this level of initiative and inquisitiveness," Smith said. "Sometimes I think there is a disconnect between adults and teenagers, when adults automatically discredit ideas because they come from teenagers. Sometimes those teenagers could really have something to contribute."

This year was the first showcase that the school has ever held. "We've wanted to do it for a long time, and this was our trial run," Smith said. "We do plan to bring it back next year, as we wanted to get all of the departments involved in one project."

The STEM Showcase, Smith explained, is the beginning of a long-term goal at Old Colony to create more interaction between the different departments at the school.