Teenager who built nuclear reactor in his dad's garage disqualified from science fair - for attending too many and in the wrong order

By Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press

PUBLISHED: 16:42 EST, 1 June 2013 | UPDATED: 16:43 EST, 1 June 2013

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A Wyoming high school senior who built a nuclear reactor in his garage was disqualified from the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix last month on a technicality.

It seems that Conrad Farnsworth, 18, of Newcastle had competed in too many science fairs.

According to the Casper Star-Tribune , students are only allowed to compete in one qualifying regional fair, and then another bigger qualifying fair, such as a state fair.

Teenage kicks: Conrad Farnsworth, 18, demonstrates the fusion reactor he hand-built in his garage in Newcastle, Wyoming. In May he was disqualified from an international science fair on a technicality

Students at Farnsworth's Newcastle High School first attended Wyoming State Science Fair at the University of Wyoming, then the South Dakota School of Mines regional fair in Rapid City.

None of Farnsworth's teachers knew this order would be a problem.

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But the Star-Tribune reports that the infraction was reported by the former director of the Wyoming State Science Fair, who later did not have her contract renewed.

Officials at the University of Wyoming, which sponsors the state event, said after the international fair that the director acted outside her authority.

Fun: The teenager is well known for his love and enthusiasm for science and experimentation

The newspaper reports Farnsworth is one of only about 15 high school students in the world to successfully build a nuclear fusion reactor. He built it by hand in his garage at home.

Farnsworth had long hoped to attend the international fair. He said: 'It's frustrating having four years to get to a single point go down the drain.'

'And it's silly,' he continued. 'It's a science fair. Seriously, aren't they supposed to be promoting science and not bureaucracy?'

The teenager is well known for his love and enthusiasm for science and experimentation.

Experimental: At 3 Conrad Farnsworth took apart a sofa, at 6 he nearly started a fire by putting a antennae in a wall socket

The Star-Tribune reports that at 3 he disassemble his mother’s sofa recliner with a screwdriver.

At 6, he put a remote control wire into a wall socket and started a fire. At 13 he made an acid bomb in a garbage can.

Throughout his life Farnsworth has worked on an amazing array of science projects, including 3-D printing, an electric glowing tie for homecoming, brewing root beer and keeping fish.

He graduated this month and plans to attend the South Dakota School of Mines.

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Yet another example of DM writers without a clue about science. Fusion reactor, mon cul!

- jackma , Anytown, 02/6/2013 01:39

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Finally cold fusion is no longer science fiction...Thanks DM from a Physicist,...I did a lot of pioneering work in "cold" fusion with my last wife I found the catalyst to be a lot of money...

- SBubbles , Palo Alto, United States, 02/6/2013 01:35

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oh, he has google, what a genius, tards

- JoeyBagadoughnutz , hell, United States, 02/6/2013 01:32

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Next come the dooms day devices

- benfromNZ , invercargill, New Zealand, 02/6/2013 00:51

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"Honey, it's time to come in from the garage to eat. Nuclear fusion can wait!" "Aww gee whiz mom, just 10 more minutes. I promise!"

- Jake , Valencia, California, 02/6/2013 00:46

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He built a "fusion reactor?" LOL ok. You'd better go tell all the scientists that have been attempting this for decades then.

- Captain America , Mississippi USA, United States, 02/6/2013 00:31

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Of course. That's what the FBI data collection is for. Among several other reasons. A fusion reactor is NOT a fission reactor. Didn't you all study physics in school? Don't you see that our energy problems would be solved if we had a fusion reactor instead the ones we have now? Are you that ignorant?

- buttercookies , Boston, 02/6/2013 00:14

Click to rate Rating 9

So instead of marveling at what he has done they decided to kick his feet out from under him over a technicality. And we spend time and money trying to get kids interested in science and math. What a shame

- Sharon , Dallas, United States, 02/6/2013 00:12

Click to rate Rating 54

No....the liberal judges hate nuclear energy....he can't win!

- tymarq , Minneapolis, Mn, 02/6/2013 00:07

Click to rate Rating 19

So little Sheldon is allowed to have Plutonium and Uranium???

- Bob , Langhorne, United States, 01/6/2013 23:55

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