Just under 440 students participated in the Tamaqua Area Middle School's science fair showcase held recently in the school auditorium. On hand were science teachers Ed Mariano, Mike Luna, Joe Ruddy, Lauren Elston and Mike Murphy. Middle School Principal Christopher Czapla and the science teachers lauded students for the hard work and initiative they put into their projects. Project partners Dominic Hoppes, 12, and Trace Hermany, 12, stand next to their science project. Their project asked which size fire hydrant would work the fastest in putting out a fire. The largest of three fire extinguishers was the victor.