By Argia Apichino

The science fair at school this year was a huge success, drawing out the curiosity, effort, and creativity of students across all grades. The gym was full of colorful exhibits, smart experiments, and eager minds waiting to tell people what they had discovered. Weeks of waiting finally came to a close as the winners were revealed: Mason in 7th grade placed first, Katie S. and Emma teamed up to place second, and George and Madison placed third.

But more valuable than awards, the science fair offered an even higher value, a chance for students to discover science in a relevant and meaningful way. To learn more about what the science fair means to students, I interviewed three 8th graders: George, Madison (Maddie), and Katie S. When asked how the science fair helps students get creative, each student shared a unique perspective.

Katie said, “It helps them think outside the box.” Maddie concurred, saying it “lets us open our minds a lot and lets us explore scientific discoveries.” George brought up the social component of it, talking about how it promotes creativity by “working together with a partner and creating strong bonds.” Creativity is nice and all, but what makes a project great? For Katie, it is something physical. When the project has a tangible object, such as an experiment or example,” she said. Maddie continued, “When it is a really huge project, board and experiment,” indicating that presentation is just as important as the science. George pointed out the center of the fair, ideas. “The creative ideas that people can get coming up with ideas for the science fair” are what he sees most.

One of the continuing arguments at the science fair is whether to make it competitive or non-competitive, just for fun. The kids were divided. Katie thought it “should be mostly just for fun,” but Maddie liked the idea of “a healthy competition.” George was more competitive, saying it’s a way “to see how well you can excel yourself.” Competitive or not, the science fair is something you will not forget. I questioned each of the students about what was the highlight of the fair. Katie answered candidly: “The best thing about the science fair is finishing it.” Maddie liked “the relief and feeling of how much you have done,” and George said he likes “the end results to see how well you have done.”

Lastly, all three students concurred on the significance of the science fair. Maddie continued, “It’s useful to teach children how to become independent and creative.” Katie believes it assists students in “learning new things and working together,” and George added that it makes you “get prepared academically for high school and set yourself up for reports and challenges.”

In the end, the science fair is not just a contest. It’s a period of growth, learning, and accomplishment for students. Whether the students left with a ribbon or simply an appreciation for the world, everyone involved benefited from something worthwhile.