District 206 students showcase science fair projects

A total of 350 elementary students recently exhibited projects at the three elementary science fairs sponsored by School District 206.

The fairs, held in mid-November at Lincoln, Woodland and Voyager schools, were organized by School District 206 Gifted and Talented (Quest) Program Coordinator Dave Harstad.

This was the 32nd year the science fair was held in the Alexandria schools. The event is open to students in grades 5 and 6 as well as 4th graders in the Quest program for high ability students.

The projects need to be experimental in nature and include controlled variables. This complements the state standard of “Inquiry” thinking that is built into District 206 teaching standards.

Individual and partner experimental projects included items such as: liquids and chrysanthemums, cat litter, airplane wings, napkins, popcorn, Styrofoam cups, liquids and PH, pellets, fishing line, wood, and wasps.

More than 90 volunteer judges with knowledge in the fields of science and engineering – former teachers, dentists, doctors, nurses, medical lab professionals, engineers and architects, were involved in the three events.

Projects were judged twice and the scores averaged. Based on project scores, every student participating received a green, red or blue ribbon. The local Kiwanis organization provided plaques for the top scoring projects at each school and grade level. McDonald’s also provided coupons for free items.

The Kiwanis Plaque 1st place winners were:

4th grade: Ethan Johnson (Voyager), Zachary Kent and Dylan Nelson (Lincoln), and Abby Driemeyer (Woodland).

5th grade: McKenzie Weigel (Woodland), Parker Jabas (Lincoln), Carsten Wessel (Voyager), and Gavin Pexsa (Miltona).

6th grade: Sydney Christenson (Lincoln), Kendra Hardy (Woodland), Jeremy Floding and Jaymeson Wolkow (Voyager), and Culley Landgaard (Garfield).

Tags: life, education, science, projects, students