Fun with the science fair at Gilpin School

Lynn Volkens

02/15/2007 - This year’s science fair at Gilpin School, held on February 8^th, was an event of measurable energy generated by a gym full of excited students. Entering a project was voluntary this year, a change from past years when participation (or at least doing a project) was mandatory and graded. Students entering were excited about their projects and eager to tell about them.

  This year’s fair, conducted by teacher Chris LaRose, also looked a little bit different from years before. With eighteen entries, the fair was smaller than in some years, but all of the usual categories (Biology, Botany, Earth and Environmental Science, Engineering, Health and Behavioral Science and Zoology) were available. Student presentations were about pets or wildlife (birds, rabbits, kittens, etc.), humans (skeleton and blood pressure studies, for example), plants, aerodynamics and more. (No science fair is complete without the traditional volcano project, and Gilpin’s fair had it covered.) Almost all of the students started with blank white display boards this year, a change from the bright primary and neon boards that had become commonplace. Leveling the display board playing field put the emphasis on science instead of graphic display which had tended toward the cutesy in some years with glitter, foam board cutouts, etc. Less display clutter made it easier to see the scientific data.

  Most entries were elementary grade projects, although the fair was open to all levels through the twelfth grade. There were plenty of community volunteers and the usual teachers and school staff members toting clipboards from project to project. Interviewers evaluated display and oral presentations and offered helpful suggestions for improvements, but there was no judging this year and no further participation at the regional/state levels. Perhaps that accounted for the relaxed atmosphere. The noise level was louder. Students seemed to be having fun. There was also no worry about whether to leave materials overnight for the next day’s viewing, nor having to get back the second day to remove them. This year’s fair was begun and done, all on Thursday evening. The public was allowed in at 4:00 p.m. as evaluations were going on. Watching the students strut their science stuff added to the experience for visitors. Soon after interviews were completed, students could take their projects and go home. When they did, all were sporting participatory medals, a tangible reward for their efforts that they could continue to display at home.