Young scientists show off their projects

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Young scientists came out in force at last week’s third grade science fair at Alpine Elementary School. Participation was voluntary and students had the choice to work solo or be part of a team.

The third graders created a range of science experiments and projects at home that reflected some of the core curriculum including life cycles, ecosystems, weather and climate. More than 97 students participated in the project.

Tornado Terror, Bubble Blast, Oobleck, Pump it Up, When Wind Works, Mega Foam, Naked Eggs and Elephant’s Toothpaste were some of the projects students presented.

Student Jake Hand used glass jars, water and vinegar to show mini-tornadoes in effect.

“I like tornadoes and just thought it would be great for the science fair. I had fun doing it,” Hand said.

Students used a variety of household products and materials to demonstrate the end results.

Team members Marcella Hill, Mason Munier and Rylee Munier, of Naked Eggs project, exhibited the process of osmosis of an egg using vinegar to show how white color of the shell disappears.

Some displays were more organic and required no electricity, acidity or accouterments as was the case of the Pump it Up and Worm Farm.

Students Colin Shagawat and Dan Lyden received a lot of visitors at their station, where they showed how basketballs bounce with different PSI levels (pressure measured in pounds per square inch). Fellow students got a chance to bounce basketballs of varying pressure to see how high they would go against a marked wall of height levels created by the team.

The creators of Worm Farm, Goldie Ancis and Kaylee Handzus, kept it simple with worms and dirt.

“We wanted to show how worms affect plants from growing,” explained Ancis. “Both positively and negatively."

Parent Tamryn Valenzuela was the chairperson of the event and coordinated all the details.

“I always loved science and was excited to get the kids excited. The children worked on their own at home and looking around the room and seeing the range of projects and all their faces is great,” said Valenzuela.

Third grade teachers and administrators were proud of the students work.

“It came out to be a fantastic evening. The students had a great time showcasing and sharing their experiments,” said teacher Michelle Telischak.

There were no judges or prizes.

“They participated because they wanted to, and that’s what makes tonight such a success,” said teacher Shannon Sullivan.

“This is the first time we are doing this. The teachers and the parents worked together, and I couldn’t be happier with tonight’s turnout and participation from the students,” said Giuseppe Leone, Principal of Alpine Elementary School.