BELLINGHAM - More than 100 students will put their ideas to the test in a countywide science fair at St. Paul's Academy Saturday, March 9.

This is the first time that the school is hosting its Whatcom County Science Fair, which will run for most of the day in Markell Hall at the upper school building, 1509 E. Victor St.

Students in first grade and up from schools throughout the county will present science projects on topics ranging from coal dust's effects on plant growth to which wing designs create the greatest lift.

The projects will be open for public viewing from noon to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m.

Awards will include best of category, best of grade and a grand prize trophy with the student's name on it that will be displayed at the student's school for a year.

Reach Zoe Fraley at 360-756-2803 or zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com. Read her school days blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/schools or follow her on Twitter at @bhamschools.