An annual event started a few years ago in the Plymouth elementary schools gives budding scientists a fun way to show the results of their research.
A joint science fair, held on April 23 at Menominee Elementary, featured projects from Menominee and Webster Elementary 4th graders and Menominee High Ability 3rd grade class.
Three 3rd graders teamed up to experiment with Mentos. Using different flavors of Mentos, Cray Barden, Jaiden Hundt, and Lily Macy, used their science knowledge to find out which one created the biggest explosion. To verify the results, they went on to build a collection method using PVC pipe to funnel the explosion into cups that were used to measure the exact data.
Fourth graders Shane Gaskill and Alejandra Chantea used variations of common household products like milk and vinegar to make plastic.
Helping to coordinate the event were Diane Lawson and Nicole Gray.
Gray said, “The presentations were definitively a huge motivator. Students feel more pressure to succeed and feel more pride from their work if they get to share their work with others and get feed back on what they have done.”
Gray said, “Some other experiments induced making salt crystals, making decorated shapes out or crystals, finding out whether colored or white candles burned faster, creating nontoxic markers, and various tests on gum flavors and bubble blowing abilities by brand.” Among many other experiments , students used data to show how price affects balloon deflation, the pepper push, ph of water, aerodynamic or airplanes and parachutes, and…….testing what state of matter “ooblek” is.
Although the projects that could be completed at school or at home were not judged, students were held to high standards. Gray said, “It (fair) sets up consequences for lazy work and rewards for going up and above and beyond that they might not otherwise receive.” She added, “They had to be a lot more knowledgeable about their experiment when they were creating a presentation and a question and answer portion.” “ We practiced during meeting times again and again to make sure that they could confidently answer any question they might be asked.” she said. Gray said, “It allowed then to feel like experts on topic, rather than just sign their name on something, turn it in, and never think about it again.”
Lawson said, “Students were so involved, that they did much of the work at home.”
Menominee Principal Steven Boyer said the cafeteria was crowded during the fair, but well worth it to highlight the work of students. Boyer said, “this is an excellent opportunity for students to explore the sciences beyond the curriculum and delve into specific topics of interest.” He added, “We are always looking to engage our students in deeper learning opportunities, and this was a great experience for our students.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
