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West fourth-graders exhibit science projects
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During the May 17 science fair, Jackie Harker matched her shirt with her project, which was on the behavior of hamsters. .
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Adriana Troutman decided to learn how stars for her science project. She said she was inspired to learn more about the subject because she always looks at the stars with her grandma. .
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To add some flair to her science project on the solar system, Hannah Greene created a 3-D model of the planets to display near her work. .
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Ashley Saxton decided to trace the growth of technology in cars for her science project.
By SARAH FOOR
Although the fourth-graders at West Boulevard Elementary learn about the scientific process, this was the first year they’ve been able to use those theories in practice. On May 17, teachers Toni Acevedo and Lee Christman and their students celebrated West’s first annual Science Fair.
The science projects began last September, when the teachers asked their students to explore a subject they loved and the students have had the whole year to finish their projects.
“It’s a joy to look around the gym tonight,” Acevedo said at the event. “The kids deeply explored their subjects and the projects look wonderful. This is a great group of kids and they are wonderful science students.”
Many of the students explored very personal subjects through their projects.
Abby Beil explored the effects of secondhand smoke through a series of experiments.
“A lot of my family smokes and I know it’s bad, but I wanted to really learn why. I learned a lot about how to prevent secondhand smoke and how I can teach my family to be more safe,” Beil shared.
Jackie Harker used her favorite pet hamster as a point of inspiration, testing the speed at which two hamsters weaved through a maze.
“I tested them separately and together and when they went together, they would follow each other. It’s cool because I learned they can be taught and learn through trial and error just like us,” Harker said.
No prizes were given at the event. Acevedo and Christman found the successful fair was prize enough.