Science Expo Showcases District 102 Science Projects

La Grange School District 102 students had science on the brain on March 5 at the annual Science Expo. Student scientists in kindergarten through sixth grade displayed and presented their science and engineering projects at Forest Road School in La Grange Park. Students worked on their projects at home with their families and projects fit into one of the following categories: experiment, invention/engineering design, exploration or collection. Exhibits were not judged; exhibitors were assigned a half hour time period when they were required to be at their table to answer questions and explain their project to an Expo official, whose role was to give students an opportunity to show what they have learned. Expo officials included Superintendent Kyle Schumacher, Ed.D., members of the Board of Education, teachers and friends from the scientific community.

The Science Center Parent Enrichment Council (PEC) funds the annual Science Expo. The Science Center and PEC have been holding the Expo for more than 15 years. There were 125 projects at the Science Expo with roughly 180 student participants.

“The Science Expo is one of my favorite days of the year as it gives students a chance to share their science interests with others,” said Virginia Hohl, lead teacher at the Science Center. “I love looking around the room and seeing students and parents beaming with pride after all the hard work that went into the projects.”

The day of fun and experimentation also included a visit to the Science Center Exploratorium where students were able to participate in science activities including building a roller coaster, designing an amusement park attraction and spending time in the animal/discovery center.

Photo Caption: First grader Damien Imperati of Ogden Avenue School is ready to present his “Tabletop Kite” project.

Photo Caption 1: Persephone Herman, a sixth grader at Forest Road School, with her “How to Make Gummy 7-Up” project.

Photo Caption 2: Superintendent Kyle Schumacher served as an Expo official.

Photo Caption 3: Sofia Pangan, a fifth grader at Cossitt School, with her diaper project.