First place, $2,500: "Ecopatch," Autumn Fox, IU Columbus senior in biology.
Project description: "A sensory garden is designed with the purpose of engaging the senses of sight, smell, touch, sound and taste, which is beneficial for people with disabilities and helps to focus the attention of young students. A garden is normally associated with a science curriculum, but a garden that stimulates the senses can be utilized across the curriculum. While the installation of a garden can be intimidating and confusing to many, if a specific and simplified version is chosen, it can take all the guesswork and uncertainty out of the process and lead to a successful and useful learning space that all people, including the disabled and handicapped, can participate in and enjoy," according to the project's written abstract. "There's been such a disconnect between kids and nature," Fox said after the competition. "I want to inspire them to get out there and be involved in the environment."
