Pinehurst Panthers participate in science fair

PINEHURST — The Pinehurst Elementary gym had an invigorating energy Monday afternoon as third-graders had the chance to present to their peers and family members in their yearly science fair. Models and presentations of volcanoes, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters could be seen filling the gym floor.

“There were about 70 students who participated. In addition, we had approximately 170 students from other grades that were able to come see the projects and ask the participants questions. Parents were also invited to come in to view the projects and ask questions,” said PES third-grade teacher Sara Delgado.

Third-grade Idaho content standards include physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences. In addition, by participating in the science fair, students could hit core science, reading and writing standards.

Delgado and fellow third-grade teachers Felicia Beehner and Torrie Stutzke all did their lessons a little differently in preparing their students for the science fair. The third-grade classes worked on the research and presentation for about four weeks.

The basic requirements were that students had to research a natural disaster of their choice, create a PowerPoint slide presentation of what they learned, and then use that information to complete their presentation boards. After making the board, students were asked to stand before their classmates and answer questions about the natural disaster they chose. This then gave an idea of what they would experience at the fair and what information may need to be added. Some teachers also asked the students to provide feedback on how they thought their peers presented the information and suggestions on what they could do better.

The teachers believe that the science fair helps students learn about natural disasters and enhances the essential skills of public speaking, answering questions and teaching their peers something new.

“The kids overcame their fears and shyness to be able to present and show their knowledge,” Stutzke said. “Their preparedness and practice showed as they were able to teach their peers, parents and community all about their disasters.”

Some teachers required their students to also write reports based on the research obtained.

To participate in the judging process, the young scholars were given the choice to create a project model at home based on what they learned.

“The students really enjoyed the fair. They said that although it seemed like it was going to be scary, it was only scary when the judges were interviewing them. They were happy when they did it, and were proud of themselves,” Delgado said.

First, second and third prizes were given to students in each class that presented a model. In Mrs. Stutzke’s class, first place went to Rikki Holmquist, second to Kira Armendariz and third to Harper Fisher. In Ms. Beehners Class, first place goes to Jackson Anderson, second to Jenna Bowman and third to Isis Garcia-Coleman. Finally, for Mrs. Delgado’s class, first place went to Hunter Rohwer, second to Scarlett White and third place to Gavin Clapper.

“I’m always impressed with what 8, 9 and 10-year-olds can do. As I was listening to them present to the judges I stood there in awe listening to all the information they had learned and how well they were able to present it,“ Delgado said. “We are blessed every day to see how truly amazing our students are, and during the fair we were able to share some of that with others. I am thankful for this experience and grateful to be a part of all my students’ success.”