Monte Vista Science and Art Fair Is a Success!

A long standing tradition at in La Crescenta is the annual science and art fair. Held on April 14 in the school's auditorium, over 100 students displayed their science experiments and works of art, ranging from paintings, to sculpture to photographs.

Carlo and Patricia Porcelli have coordinated this event for the past few years. Patricia says "This event integrates both science and art, which allows everyone to participate. This year we have had over 100 students present their projects which is more than any other year."

Beautiful classical music played during the event and chocolates were available to enjoy. The evening, sophisticated all around, also included awards for the children who participate to commemorate the evening.

There was a vast variety of science projects submitted. There were the classics like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes and potatoes that conduct electricity. Several students allowed hands-on activities where children could use blow dryers to create a "wind" effect and see how airplanes can lift off. Other students presented a history of how the earliest forms of communication worked and children could use cans and strings to see how their voice could be transmitted. One child even grew rubies, amber, and emeralds! Some students went in search of big questions such as "What came first: the chicken or the egg?" and "Why does a comet have a tail?"

Elizabeth Brookey, a fifth grader, told me all about her project on comets. "Comets are made up of ice, dirt, dust, and gas," she said,  "and the tails are caused by those things melting with heat as it travels in the sky." Her enthusiasm about comets was equally matched by her father's amazement of the caliber of projects presented. Kevin Brookey said "I am really impressed by the talent of all the kids from kindergarten through sixth grade. This is a great representation of the excellent education and the broad spectrum of what the kids are learning about at this level. It makes you feel proud as a parent."

Dr. Hoge. principal of Monte Vista attended the event and spent time photographing the children with their projects and asking them questions about their research and techniques. "This is a wonderful opportunity for families to help in the preparation for the students projects. We have a vast variety of talent."

Sixth grader Brett Dunkin proudly showed off his framed drawing. "This is my last year at Monte Vista so this is my last time to be in the science and art fair. I made a print on Styrofoam paper. Art is awesome." His mother Laurie is actively involved as the Vice President of the PTA at the school and states that she "was amazed with the wealth of talent and creativity with the art exhibits that were presented."  

Children's science and art fairs are the perfect opportunity for children to research and experiment with things they are interested in learning more about, and who knows, someday one of these children may go on to make a famous discovery!