HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — For four days, 400 students at a STEM-driven middle school in Tiyan showcased a diverse array of topics and experiments in the schoolwide science fair recently, the school announced in a press release.
The turnout was unprecedented, said Frea Vidallon, board of trustees member for the Science is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy Charter School, a middle school focused on science, technology, engineering and math.
“Unlike traditional science fairs, where only a handful of students typically showcase their projects, SIFA’s event proved to be a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and creativity among its students,” she said.
A diverse array of topics and experiments were showcased by students in all grades. The unprecedented student participation turned the science classrooms into a “bustling hub of creativity and scientific inquiry.”
“One standout project was the development of barriers used to combat waves. The project explored the effectiveness of different kinds of materials used as a barrier system. Another project focused on developing a low-cost water filtration system using readily available materials, aiming to address clean water scarcity in underserved communities,” Vidallon said.
“The spirit of inquiry and discovery ignited,” as the students presented their projects to judges and classmates and engaged with fair attendees, she said.
“Throughout the fair, attendees had the opportunity to engage with interactive exhibits, conduct hands-on experiments and learn from their peers’ innovative projects. Students showcased their ingenuity and critical thinking skills as they tackled real-world problems and proposed creative solutions,” Vidallon said.
She said the science fair is part of SIFA’s holistic education approach to “nurture students’ intellectual curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning.”
“By encouraging active participation in events like the schoolwide science fair, SIFA empowers students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers, ready to tackle the challenges of the future,” she said.
Science is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy Charter School students show off their project at the middle school’s recent science fair.
