Have you ever wondered if a bigger battery would make a lightbulb shine brighter?

Seven-year-old David Fletcher has—and that curiosity, along with a bit of kitchen-table experimentation, helped him earn the Greensboro Science Center Award for Originality and Ingenuity at this year’s Guilford County Science Fair.

David’s project didn’t just win him a prize. It also earned him and his parents a special invitation to tour Guilford College this week and explore one of his favorite subjects: science. David is a first-grader at Erwin Montessori Elementary School in Greensboro.

On Monday, David toured the Guilford campus, met with faculty members, and participated in hands-on science activities before wrapping up his visit with a cafeteria lunch—pizza, ice cream and cake included.

“Pretty interesting day,” David said. “I liked doing all the science and stuff.”

The Greensboro Science Center Award for Originality and Ingenuity, co-sponsored by Guilford College, recognizes science fair projects that showcase creativity, innovation, and a clear connection to personal interests and real-world observations.

David’s visit began with Steve Mencarini, the college’s enrollment officer, presenting him with a certificate naming him an honorary Guilford College student for the day.

He also met with David Hildreth, the Lincoln Financial Professor of Education Studies, who talked with him about what it means to be a scientist.

Throughout the day, David dissected an owl pellet, explored how vibrations create sound, and learned about robotics, astronomy, and water quality. He even sat in on Professor Christine Stracey Richard’s ornithology class.

Hildreth said David stood out at the science fair for his curiosity and love of learning.

“Those are the qualities we’re always looking for in Guilford students,” he told David. “And you certainly have them.”