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Scientists of tomorrow shine forth

| 25 Jan 2017 | 02:11
    Mark Clifford and Trevor Ekland in front of their Magnetic Slime creation. Photos by Rose Sgarlato
    Mark Clifford and Trevor Ekland in front of their Magnetic Slime creation. Photos by Rose Sgarlato
    Caitlin Snellings and Anna Mysh with a new twist on crystalization using pipe cleaners.
    Caitlin Snellings and Anna Mysh with a new twist on crystalization using pipe cleaners.
    The crowd gathers as Madeline Gambino demonstrates her popular Insta Snow at Mohawk Avenue School’s Third Grade Science Fair.
    The crowd gathers as Madeline Gambino demonstrates her popular Insta Snow at Mohawk Avenue School’s Third Grade Science Fair.
    Third grader Madeline Gambino was a big hit with Insta Snow at last week’s science fair at Mohawk Avenue School.
    Third grader Madeline Gambino was a big hit with Insta Snow at last week’s science fair at Mohawk Avenue School.
    Danny Mawhinney and his Tornado in a Bottle with classmate Aarau Kalmath who gives it a whirl.
    Danny Mawhinney and his Tornado in a Bottle with classmate Aarau Kalmath who gives it a whirl.

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — A future generation of scientists were hard at work last Wednesday night at Mohawk Avenue’s Science Fair where old and new hypotheses were tested and presented by third grade students.
Working individually or in pairs, over 50 projects were on display ranging from the traditional volcano eruption to the modern how to make snow.
“Children were given great flexibility and encouraged to investigate an area of personal interest. Therefore, the projects were diverse, creative, and as extensive as the student desired,” said Tracy Layman, co-chair of the PTO hosted event.
With 81 students participating, there was a lot to see and discover.
Mark Clifford and Trevor Ekland of Mrs. Nademus’s class tried to be unique showing the properties of magnetic slime while at the very next table was Brighid Fadden and Morgan Gauthier with their glass candy. Each display had storyboard panels outlining the scientific facts.
“We think we should start a business with the glass candy, because everyone likes it,” said Brighid of Ms. Freda’s class.
Crystallization was demonstrated using an artsy touch of pipe cleaners by Caitlin Snellings of Mrs. Bambara’s class and Anna Mysh of Mrs.Delpome’s class. Crystallized butterflies and flowers made from pipe cleaners added a colorful touch.
“Crystals can be seen in many things,” said Anna. “Even in quartz watches.”
Heading downstairs to the cafeteria, there was practically a traffic jam at the Insta Snow table where Madeline Gambino of Mrs. Lukich’s class had quite the crowd.
“There is a physical reaction after an ice cube melts,” explained Madeline to the onlookers who were very excited to get a sample of the snow. “ This is the snow that’s used in movies and television,” she added.
Madeline had the assistance of her mother, a scientist and her brother Nick who was busy prepping the giveaways.
The annual third grade event added a new aspect this year with the addition of older science based student groups. Three groups set up interactive displays: Sparta High School Robotics, Sparta High School Biomedical STEM Academy and The Dream Girls Initiative, a local organization encouraging young women to pursue STEM studies.
Layman explains the thought process behind this:
“They acted as a more sophisticated backdrop to the evening allowing younger students and families a glimpse into the varying science based opportunities available down the road. It's beneficial to the learning process of all when our older students can actively engage our younger students. “
The Mohawk Avenue School Science Fair was a group effort with many people working together to coordinate the evening and celebrate the hard work of the third graders.
"What a wonderful night! The students did a great job presenting their projects. Thank you to all the volunteers that made it such a huge success,” said Principal Laura Trent.