RINDGE – Rainbows, atom particles, and Ariana Grande were just a few of the numerous research projects on display at this year’s Inquiry Scholars showcase at Franklin Pierce University.

The annual partnership between Franklin Pierce University and the Jaffrey-Rindge School District tasks students from elementary to college with researching a project they are interested in. The final project culminates in a poster, outlining the topic and student’s findings.

“I’m really impressed with these projects,” said Marcea Gustafson, Jaffrey-Rindge’s Infinity coordinator, during the showcase Thursday. “They are all so professional, and some of these topics are things that I didn’t know anything about until I saw the posters.”

Fifth grader Maya Acton’s project was one that surprised many passersby. The Rindge Memorial School student chose to research osteomyelitis, a bacterial infection of the bone.

“The doctor told me that my heel was like a mushy peach,” said Acton, who wanted to learn more about osteomyelitis ever since she contracted the infection at the age of 8. “I had to undergo surgery to scrape out the infection.”

Another project that impressed many was Joe Wiley’s. The junior at Conant High School chose to research therapy dogs and their benefits to autistic children.

“It was really challenging to find studies, since it is such a new subject,” said Wiley. “I found that it helps an autistic child to have a constant presence with them.”

Parents at the event were in awe of many of the projects, impressed with the breadth of knowledge that students developed about a particular topic.

“I think she did a really good job,” said Heidi Stenersen, of Rindge, whose fifth-grade daughter Mia researched cheerleading injuries. “She has always been curious; this project helped to reinforce some of her research skills.”

Tom Bennett, a professor at Franklin Pierce University, said the project is a great way to hone research and other skills for all ages involved. Bennett says his participating students learn valuable teaching and mentorship skills, while the students at Jaffrey-Rindge are able to work with older students to learn about research skills or refine the skills they already have.

Throughout the year, a number of FPU students visited the Inquiry Scholars at Jaffrey-Rindge, assisting them in their research projects.

“This melding of these two schools has been perfect,” said Bennett. “I think these projects show that students can have fun learning.”

Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.