Designing Microfluidic Devices for the Science Fair

Middle-school student succeeds at the science fair with a cutting-edge medical biotechnology project.

One Project, Three Science Fairs

At Lancaster Country Day School in Lancaster, PA, all 7th and 8th graders do a project for the school science fair. If they choose to enter the PA Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) or the North Museum Science and Engineering Fair (NMSEF), they earn extra credit. Jared, then in 8th grade, chose to participate in both area science fairs with a cutting-edge biotechnology project investigating microfluidic devices.

Biotechnology in Middle School

Microfluidic devices allow precise control over the distribution of small amounts of fluids using channels etched into devices that are often made from glass or plastic. In the Build Your Own Microfluidic Device project, students use Polystyrene shrink plastic, the material used to make classic "Shrinky Dinks," to make their own microfluidic devices and experiment with the design and flow rate.

Jared filled us in on his project and his experience at the science fairs.

How did you discover the microfluidic device project?

"I used the filters on the website. I put in what types of projects I was interested in and my grade level, and the microfluidic device project was recommended to me. The way the filters were laid out really helped me narrow down my searching process and put my ideas in focus."

What made you interested in this project?

"I was interested in this topic due to it being a much harder, more challenging project than the one that I did last year. I did research to see if it had real-world applications, and I was intrigued by the way microfluidic technology is helping the medical industry and allowing vaccines to be developed quicker and more affordably. I chose this project mainly because it involved a field that I've never really looked at before and helped broaden my understanding of the world around me."

Tell us a bit about your project and how it went.

"I tested how liquid flow rates differ when more or less input and output holes are added to the microfluidic device. The devices were made out of polystyrene plastic, which shrinks in the presence of heat. The devices were hand-built by attaching three separate sheets of polystyrene plastic together. One layer was the input, the next was the design layer, and the final layer was the output. The devices were then baked in the oven. Once cooled, they were measured and finally tested to see how liquid flowed throughout each device. It went well overall and was an enjoyable process."

Had you heard of "Shrinky Dinks" before?

"I had not heard of 'Shrinky Dinks' before, but I did encounter them upon my research, and they helped explain how the plastic actually changes shape due to heat."

What was the most challenging part of the project?

"Gluing the devices together. With my first attempt, the glue seeped into the channels, causing those designs to fail. Also, cutting the actual design was very difficult due to the plastic cracking before it was melted."

What was the most rewarding or exciting part of the project?

"The most rewarding part of the project was finding the design that worked the best. It was rewarding to test several devices and find one that had the overall best results."

How did this project fit in with your interests? Did it challenge you in any specific ways?

"This project opened me up to engineering, which has always interested me. It was a challenge to build the best possible model that would allow for the best data and trials."

What did you enjoy most about the science fair?

"I enjoyed building and constructing the devices because it was a fun, creative process. I also enjoyed all the recognition [I got for] the project. At PJAS, I got 2nd place for this project, and at NMSEF I got 1st in the engineering category. At school, I ended up getting over 100% for this project as a grade. It was very rewarding to know that the project that I had fun conducting was seen as very impressive and successful."

Have you participated in the science fair before? If so, what project did you do?

"Science fair is required in both 7th and 8th grade at my school, so I did compete last year at NMSEF with a project testing how the speed of ice melting varies when put into different liquids."

Is science a subject you enjoy?

"Science is kind of an academic interest for me, but it's not my favorite. But, the more science-related projects I do, the more my love for science grows."

Are you thinking about a future in STEM?

"My main career goal is being a lawyer, but engineering is a close second. I really like problem-solving, so engineering has always been a standout career idea."

Thank you to Jared for sharing this story with Science Buddies. If you have a story about doing a Science Buddies project or how Science Buddies makes a difference in your classroom or program, reach out to us at [email protected].