STEAM: Science; Technology; Engineering; Art; Math. The five disciplines were on full display on May 15 at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s seventh-annual K-6 Science Fair and Art Show. Parents, families and community members were invited to walk hallways filled with more than 500 pieces of colorful art, and see over 40 student-designed science fair projects. New this year were “robot miniature golf,” where students programmed robot golf balls to negotiate a nine-hole course; interactive “selfie walls” for fun photos; and a special black light room that gave viewers a whole new perspective on artwork.
The Science Fair and Art Show was the culmination of a year’s worth of inspiration and hard work by students at all the elementary school grade levels. Organized by art teacher Melissa Coniglio and science teacher Craig Schroth, the show highlighted diverse creative talents and a wide range of student-driven, extracurricular science projects.
Projects ranged from the interaction of Mentos with soda, hurricanes, and why bees are dying, to what kind of rain occurs on other planets. “Many students have been working on their science projects all year,” said Schroth. “They chose their own topics and then completed experiments at home. The Fair is an opportunity for them to show off their work to fellow classmates, and then demonstrate to the public. They are proud to share their results with their families and scores of other science lovers.”
Coniglio enjoyed planning the interactive aspects of the show. “I love to see people get really involved with the artwork and the exhibits,” she said. “It becomes an experience they can take home with them. It was fun watching students and parents take pictures under the black light and with the selfie walls.”
The Science Fair and Art Show is one of Principal Brian Meister’s favorite events. “I love seeing how open our students are to new ideas, scientifically and artistically, and how motivated they are to explore. As educators, we want to encourage this sense of endless possibility and wonder, and give students the opportunity to share their excitement with others.”
Provided information and photos
