Beaumont, CA – Farmers may want to plant underwear along with their crops this spring according to fifth grade student Caleb Clays from Starlight Elementary School who placed first at the 2025 District Science and Engineering Fair. His experiment, titled “Soil Your Undies,” tested soil health by burying underwear in different locations.
Clay believes farmers should consider using underwear as a way to test soil health based on his original research. His experiment shows buried undies may reveal the presence of bioindicators––beneficial bugs living in the dirt that help plants grow. Clay hypothesizes if the soil is healthy, buried boxer briefs will break down faster thanks to active bacteria.
Clay’s experiment is just one of 18 winning projects selected to proceed to the Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair. Experiments are judged on the application of the scientific method, materials used, accuracy, and creativity. Fourth grader Charlie Woolridge from Brookside Elementary School placed second and eighth grader Cameron Centner from Summerwind Trails School placed third. The county-level winners will proceed to the state competition for a chance to proceed to the final, international-level.
The annual Science and Engineering Fair is an excellent way to promote academics at school. “Science is an easy way for kids to be engaged in school. You can teach math through science. You can teach reading through science; writing. Everything can go through science and it is highly engaging. Kids love it,” explained the District Science Fair Coordinator Marie Ferguson.
In addition to engaging students in school through the use of science, the experiments are primarily done at home. This means families are also involved in the student’s learning. “Education research has made it clear that parents who are actively involved in their children’s learning at home help their children become more successful learners in and out of school,” according to the California Teachers Association website.