Science Fair Encourages Exploration and Fun

From botany to solar power, electricity to mummification, the projects were diverse and detailed at the recent elementary school science fairs. More than 145 students filled the gym at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School (HHES) on April 29 to participate in the fair.  Center Elementary School (CES) students had the opportunity to share their work on May 6 with family and friends and with their fellow classmates on Friday, May 7.

Students enthusiastically went from table to table, learning about new topics and laughing with their friends.  "The place was packed!" according to fourth grade teacher Barry Huber, who spent much of the event visiting with students and discussing their projects in depth.

Huber has been running the science fairs at both HHES and CES for the past three years. He starts by sending out a call for scientists with a helpful list of websites for students to explore with their parents and discover new ideas for projects. He also encourages students to follow their individual interests and is available for help and advice via email. The goal of the fair is "to encourage children to have fun with science and explore their natural curiosity of the world in a fun and relaxed atmosphere," according to the parent information form.

Awards are not a part of the science fairs at HHES and CES.  "I don't do awards because I simply want the kids to get excited about science. If it's competitive you start getting into who did the project — child or adult?" Everyone who participates in the science fair gets a laminated certificate and more students are getting involved each year.

"I love seeing unique projects that show the kids really were getting excited about science and exploring new ideas,"  said Huber. "This year there were many projects [at HHES] with data attached — how great is that?"

There are a few things that were not allowed at the fairs for safety reasons, including dangerous chemicals, open flames, live animals or bacteria. Food tasting experiments are not allowed due to student allergies.