Students collaborated with each other to devise, research, and present the findings for various studies following organisms and living creatures. Students’ interest in their particular projects gave them enough knowledge to even confidently answer questions on their projects afterwards.

Eighth grade students in Alexis Johnson’s had the last few weeks of their work culminate recently, at the Inaugural Science Fair for the middle school. The science fair was held on Dec. 10 in the multipurpose room of the middle school building.

“The first eighth grade science fair at Southwestern Middle School showcased our students’ creativity and knowledge in various science topics,” said Superintendent Molly Moore. “Students showed excellent preparation, research, and presentation skills. They were able to answer questions about how their topic applies to potential careers and ethical dilemmas. It was very impressive.”

While the science fair was focused around the living environment as a whole, students ended up focusing on a wide-variety of subject matter in their projects. Multiple students seemed to take on projects that focused on larger living beings and organisms. Some of these projects included Extinct Animals Back To Life, Study of Snakehead, and How do Specific Animals Adapt When There is a Change in Environment. Other students seemed to use this as an opportunity to focus more on microscopic, or fossilized, organisms instead.

Judges listen to students discussing finds at the display titled Bone Dating Techniques in Archaeology.

Some of these projects included Preservation on Organisms, Battle of the Bacteria Blockers, and the Effect of Cleaning Products on Bacteria. Remaining students focus on several areas including DNA and aspects of the human body. Some of these project topics included How Vaping Affects Lung Function, The Liftoff of Epipens, Strawberry DNA, How was CRISPR Discovered, Bone Dating Techniques in Archaeology, and Blood Splatter Analysis. This demonstrated the students creative interpretation of this project, aligning with the district’s goal of thinking creatively and being problem solving.

“I want to commend our eighth grade Regents Biology students for the tremendous effort they put into their science fair research and for the creativity they showed in presenting their work to staff, students, and families,” said Middle School Principal Greg Lauer. “I was especially impressed by the range and depth of topics, including blood spatter analysis, the effects of vaping on lung function, strawberry DNA, and bacteria blockers. A special thank-you goes to their teacher, Alexis Johnson, whose dedication and hard work made this experience so meaningful for our students.”

Student peers listen to the findings of the other student’s projects.

Students answer peers’ questions on their blood splatter analysis project.

Students crowd around, trying to get the opportunity to see each project.

Students discuss their project with a teacher at the Liftoff of Epipens display.