NEVC holds elementary school science fair

2016 NEVC Elementary Science Fair participants. Back row from left: Eden Coleman, Josh Jefferey, Ashley Hilvert, Ashlee Keith, Alexus "Lexi" George, Nicholas Humphrey. Front row, from left: Cayden Bailey, Aiden McGrath, Garrett Culbertson, Shiloh Mitchem, Liam McGrath. (Photo by Gabe Franklin/Daily Mail)

Northeast Vernon County elementary school hosted its third annual science fair for grades fourth through six, April 21. From seedlings to volcanos, the projects were as varied as their creators.

"I am so proud of them," said teacher Veronica Prough.

The results for fourth grade were: Liam McGrath, first place; Cayden Bailey, second; Nicholas Humphrey, third; Ashley Hilvert, fourth; Josh Jeffery, fifth; Alexus "Lexi" George, sixth; and Ashlee Keith, seventh.

There was only one entrant from the fifth grade, Eden Coleman. Eden however, had the third highest total score for the event.

Among the sixth-grade students; Garrett Culbertson, first place; Shiloh Mitchem, second; and Aiden McGrath, third.

The best in show award went to Garrett Culbertson with the highest total score. The judge's choice award went to Liam McGrath.

Prough said that eleven students participated in the optional event but that she would like to see that number go up. "These were the kids that wanted to participate," she said, adding that no classroom time was devoted to working on the projects.

Physical science is the most popular category according to Prough, but students can choose from others including life/health science, chemistry, engineering, and botany. Chemistry comes in second.

"All of the projects are very unique," Prough explained. She continued, saying that she often has little idea what project the student is working on before fair day. Although she introduced students to the science fair in Jan., they had until last week to choose to participate.

The process for the students follows the scientific method. They first had to ask a question and research their idea. Then they formed a hypothesis, or what they thought would happen. Determining the procedure for the experiment preceded conducting the experiment. The goal here was to have the experiment repeatable. During and after the experiment, the students collected and analyzed data from their projects. Based on their analysis, they determined if their hypothesis was correct.

Expectations for these students are high. Not only must they successfully work the scientific process, they must present their experiment in front of the judges, and later their peers and parents. They are expected to dress appropriately for the occasion. One student was even sporting a tie this year.

Interest among the visiting classes at the end of the day was high as other students gathered around to see what their friends had made. At one point, there was a waiting line to see the chemical reaction volcano made by Shiloh Mitchem.

Of particular interest was the authority with which these students spoke of their projects. Prough said that she is always surprised how outgoing some of the more reserved students become while talking about their projects.

Elementary principal Kendall Ogburn said, "we are extremely proud of the kids that participated," and that "all of the projects exhibited a high level of quality."

He further explained the value of the experience the students gained through presenting their projects to the judges, and then to their peers and parents. He echoed Prough's statement that the science fair was an excellent opportunity for the students that are normally the quieters ones, to have their voices heard.