Kids have always taken a liking to science. It captures their imagination and intrigues and inspires them. This year’s Washington Primary School Science Fair saw dozens of fourth graders submit individual projects along with class projects that were developed by youngsters in kindergarten through third grade.
The fair utilized the school gym and included 20 six-foot long tables on which project presentation boards and related items were placed. The projects covered a variety of subjects and including some rather fascinating experiments.
Classes presented their projects to each other in the gym during the school day and students were given an opportunity to tour through the work developed by the fourth graders. Parents and family members later turned out for a display at night. More than 150 parents took time to study each project.
“The projects were really wonderful this year,” Principal Marsha Neville said. “Our students showed ingenuity and initiative. The product of their work was interesting and informative. They presented their findings clearly and sometimes with a flair.”
The process started weeks earlier as students discussed their ideas with their parents and teachers. Participants received an information packet with ideas, guidelines and an explanation of the scientific method; a prescribed set of steps used by scientists to conduct valid experiments. While they received reminders and inspiration at school, the majority of the work occurred at home.
District Director of STEM Jill Johanson met with each of the fourth graders individually about their product and performed the final judging of the work.
Teachers and parents remarked how impressive the projects were and noted the visually attractive nature of each presentation. Fourth grader Cameron Smith, who earned the award top award for the most outstanding project overall, will advance to the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s annual science fair competition later this spring.
The fourth grade award recipients include:
Overall Outstanding Project
Cameron Smith
Teacher Melissa Studdert’s Class
1. Felipe Avila Sanchez
Teacher Tina Balducci’s Class
1. Ninalee Davis
Teacher Cindy Palmirotto/Jennifer Stucchio’s Class
1. Olivia Cortez
2. Christina Famiglietti
Teacher Dianne Davis’ Class
1. Caleb Palermo
2. Anastasia Sarducci
Teacher Vanessa Ulloa’s Class
1. Sofia Vias
2. Dana Avila Justo
