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BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y. The Bedford Hills Elementary School held its first science fair for students in kindergarten through fifth-grade, bringing together students, teachers and parents through the act of learning by doing.
Nearly 100 kids, or 1/3 of the entire student body, participated in the event, Principal Zbynek Gold said.
Its been really great so far. We had to expand to the cafeteria because we had more kids and families than anticipated, Gold said. Its the first time we did it and Im hoping more kids will come and hear about it, and take part next year.
Four of the many participants came from the Barresi family of Bedford Hills, who boasted two projects between the group. In one group, twins Melissa and Julia tried to show how the amount paid for a bag of popcorn does not directly associate with the amount of kernels popped, while third-grader Frankie and fifth-grader Jessica decided to show what was the best homemade bubble-maker.
Mother Ida Barresi said she was thrilled to have all of her kids participate and knows the value of them taking part.
I like problem solving. Im a speech pathologist and we do a lot of critical thinking and analysis. Thats what you want them to learn, to really look at something and ask a good question and problem solve, she said. And this is how a scientist works. Its a good experience for them.
Second-grader Samantha Coppola took part in a project to build a model volcano after seeing a documentary on television with her father Matthew of the Hawaiian volcanoes.
She and her partner worked on it for five weeks, two hours each Saturday, and did research on the Internet and in some encyclopedias, Matthew Coppola said. I think it came out wonderful, Im very proud.
Gold said he was just as pleased with the event, put together by the Bedford Hills Elementary School Parent Association.
It gives kids another opportunity to shine, and to try something they like having to do with academics and school, Gold said. Its a win-win: theyre going to enjoy it and its educational. These are the type of opportunities we try to provide for the kids.
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