Randolph 5th Grader Wins National Hockey League Science Fair

RANDOLPH, NJ — A 5th grader from Ironia Elementary, in Ramsey, won first place at a national virtual science fair sponsored by the National Hockey League, with entries from both the US and Canada.

The contest encourages students to show how STEM can enhance the game experience in three creative categories: virtual fan engagement, sustainability, and technology/Innovation.

Sarthak Chandesh submitted a project that focused on players' safety, by using sensors on hockey helmets to determine the amount of force correlated with a concussion, according to the Randolph Township Schools office.

Chandesh was inspired by his older brother, who had a concussion while playing hockey in November of last year.

“This project was inspiring because it impacted my brother, but it also made me think of futuristic ways to solve this problem," Chandesh said, in a statement "I wanted to find a solution so my brother and any player on ice could be able to play safely and securely. I kept thinking about how many concussions go unreported, and these sensors could really help ensure the athletes stay healthy."

The pandemic helped Sarthak improve his computer skills, and he found objects around the house, as well as applications, to make simulations. For example, he attached a football to a rope on a basketball hoop to calculate g-force and determine whether a player could still go on after being hit at different speeds.

"Any physical sport like football, rugby, and others could also use sensors too which would also prevent unnecessary injuries," Chandesh also said. "I honestly thought it would just be a regular project, so it’s cool I was able to win for something I care about a lot.”

The contest is divided into two age groups, 4th to 6th grade, and 7th to 8th grade, and Chandesh won the former.