Science Fair

Yesterday, the school held its annual science fair. Elementary, middle, and high school students all participated. In the elementary classes, students explored various scientific principles, under the guidance of their teachers. Some students discussed states of matter and turned sugar water into rock candy. Others explored the basics of simple machines and made a model of piano keys using Legos. High school students conducted group projects focused on environmentalism. One group made their own environmentally friendly cleaning solution that I am excited to try out in my apartment!

Arguably, the most fascinating work was done by middle school students. Their projects focused on outer space. The sixth graders researched space shuttle missions. Based on that research, they wrote a play about a space mission, complete with dialogue between the astronauts and mission control. Their work did not end here, however. The students built a model space ship using paper, PVC pipe, tape, and plastic sheeting. The model was so large that the students were able to walk inside of it. This model served as the set for their play! The 7th and 8th graders teamed in groups of four and built and programmed their own Lego space rovers. These rovers were asked to complete a series of four “missions” on a simulated Martian landscape. Some involved retrieving objects, others required the rovers to disable levers. These missions were competitions for points. Students did phenomenally well in the competition and the professional manner of the event was impressive.