Warren Students Show Off Their Science

From Warren Township Schools: Dressed in lab coats, student scientists at Angelo L. Tomaso (ALT) School had the opportunity to “Show-Off their Science,” on Thursday, March 14 during the annual science fair. Over 130 students in Kindergarten through fifth grade participated in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsored event. The remainder of the students were present to engage with their peers about their projects by asking questions and getting a first-hand look and understanding of each display.

Prior to the event, the ALT PTO arranged for a science assembly for all students. “For the third year in a row, the ALT PTO kicked off its ‘Show-Off Your Science’ event by providing a highly visual and highly interactive assembly presented by INSECTS ROCK®. Children listened to a dynamic video presentation and were able to engage with several display tables” stated Arelis Buzzerio, ALT PTO Science Committee Co-chair. As the Science Fair Teacher Liaison, Wendy Pillar, ALT Reach Teacher, made visits to each classroom in the weeks leading up to the fair to provide guidance, help brainstorm ideas and spark curiosity and a love for science. Students were encouraged to ask age appropriate questions, experiment and get creative! “Mrs. Pillar’s own love of science helped inspire even the youngest scientist to engage in scientific thinking and exploration.” - Carina Bellman, ALT PTO Science Committee Co-chair Students were highly inspired as evidenced by the interesting, creative, colorful and clever projects on display during the fair. “The ‘Show-0ff your Science’ event was a non-competitive science and inventors fair open to all ALT students. All students were encouraged to find a topic they were interested in and simply explore, experiment and create a project they would like to share with their peers.” Sonia Gomes, ALT PTO Science Committee Co-chair Student projects included a variety of topics including the solar system, a robotic hand, the effects of magnets, the impact solar energy has on seawater, cookie chemistry, how to create the best bath bomb, chromatography, the mechanics of a bow, and a comparison of what chocolate melts the fastest and what color candle burns the quickest and so much more.

According to Bellman, the success of the “Show-Off Your Science” event can be attributed to all of the parties involved, “This highly engaging and interactive STEM day could not happen without the time and support of our dedicated parents, staff and teachers. ALT teachers continuously encourage and support inquiry, foster a love for science and show great flexibility and creativity when allowing the PTO to complement their curriculum with these programs. The 20+ parent volunteers attentively engaged every presenter and each visitor, making them feel special and proud of their work. It is always great fun and a great honor to work alongside this incredible team!”