Two East Bay Middle School students hope to make an impact this weekend with their science project.
The girls conducted experiments aimed at showing how textbooks could protect against bullets.
St. Patrick's student Tyler Military Cross described a fear that many students and their families can't help but experience these days: the fear of a school shooting.
“It's really devastating for us and all parents can do is pray that it doesn't happen to their children. Although it could happen at any moment,” she said.
Military Cross and Sophia Seiden want to prove that their textbooks can act as body armor with their school science project called “High Impact” that puts their textbooks to the test.
“Right now, school protocol is to hide in a corner and turn off the lights with no defensive protection at all. But we believe that textbooks are a very popular resource and can be used as protective shields,” Seiden said.
With the help of a trained firearms instructor, the girls tested the number of textbooks needed to stop a 9mm bullet.
“I was on site at our shooting range when this happened and I noticed how deeply the bullets penetrated each book and we found that it only takes two hardcover textbooks,” Military Cross said.
The girls found that just two one-and-a-half-inch books were enough to prevent the bullet from penetrating.
The girls will present their project at the Contra Costa Science Fair this weekend. Their teacher believes they have a real chance of getting good grades.
“It's an issue that young people don't have to worry about. Unfortunately, it's all over the news, so I'm proud of them for hearing what's going on and coming up with a possible solution,” said middle school science teacher Maurice Atendido.
Whether they win or lose, the girls hope their project will make an impact and help save lives.
Two East Bay Middle School students hope to make an impact this weekend with their science project. Jodi Hernandez has more.
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