Science project shot down

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) — Two eighth-graders who spent months working on a science project to prove how dangerous BB guns can be were disqualified from the state science fair. The reason for the dismissal: BB guns are too dangerous.

Nathan C. Woodard and Nathaniel A. Gorlin-Crenshaw spent seven months researching and testing their hypothesis that BB guns can be deadly and should not be used by children.

The students spent about $200 on ballistics gelatin, which has the same density and consistency as human flesh, to use during their tests. Nancy G. Degon, vice president of Massachusetts State Science Fair Inc. and co-chairman of the middle-school fair, said fair rules prohibit hazardous substances and devices.

“The scientific review committee does not consider science projects involving firearms to be safe for middle-school students,” Miss Degon said.

The boys were invited to present their findings to some judges and receive a certificate of accomplishment, but they rejected the offer because they were not allowed to compete.

“I was really disappointed,” Nathan said. “We had a good point to prove.”