Students Show their Smarts at Marquez Science Fair

By SIERRA DAVIS | Pali Life Editor

Photos by RICH SCHMITT | Staff Photographer

Fourth grade students tested their hypotheses on the effects of diet on speed and agility; how basketball inflation will affect bounce heights; the effects of music on our ability to focus and other scientific queries at the Marquez Science Fair on April 9.

Guest scientists from other grades presented their projects alongside the fourth grade class where no two projects were alike.

“What most impressed me about the students were the original project ideas.  I love seeing what interests them,” said Akiko Arevalo, science specialist at Marquez Elementary School, adding the science fair gives students the chance to flex their scientific muscles by planning and performing scientific experiments of their choice.

As parents and other students toured the fair, enjoying a slice of pizza along the way, younger students expressed excitement about the prospect of participating the following year. One young kindergartener was seen taking his teacher by the hand and leading her from one project to the next.

“I could never come up with all their amazing ideas,” Arevalo said. “The kids should be proud; they did an amazing job. I just love their love of science.”