POLAND, NY – MARCH 10: The 37th Annual Poland Science Fair was a success, showcasing the creativity, innovation, and scientific curiosity of students. The event, held in the school gymnasium on March 6, brought together young minds eager to present their projects in various fields, including biology, engineering, chemistry, and environmental science.
Over 80 students wowed their peers, judges, teachers, and community members with their research, experiments, and inventions. The main goal of the science fair is to encourage students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on research and experimentation. It provides an opportunity for students to apply the scientific method, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a passion for science. The science fair also promotes creativity and innovation, allowing students to present their findings and share their enthusiasm for scientific inquiry.
Students in grades 7-11 taking science classes in Poland are required to complete a science fair project as part of their course grade. They must meet deadlines throughout the first three marking periods leading up to the fair. All students present their projects to the science teachers in February. Projects that meet the criteria advance to the March 6 fair to present to volunteer judges from around the area.
Poland science teachers Kevin Ford and Jessica Meyer are appointed advisors for the science fair and manage the event.
Both said the fair was a success and helped lay the groundwork for students’ future.
“Participating in the science fair offers numerous academic benefits, including the enhancement of research skills, data analysis, and presentation abilities. Students learn to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions, which are essential skills in any academic discipline,” said Meyer. “We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and hard work, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow in their academic journeys.”
A total of $4,725 was donated to support the awards for the science fair. Poland Central School District would like to extend a special thank you to the generous sponsors: American Legion Adirondack Post 1118, Association of Poland Teachers, Brady Fence Co., Inc., Captain Finn Morrissey, First Source Federal Credit Union, George F. Aney, Get A Grip Tires & Tire Repair, GPO Federal Credit Union, Haver’s Circle K, Hometown Tree Service, Jeffrey Hazard, Left Over Express, Inc., Michael Marrone Photography, Mounts Creek Farm, Newport Telephone Company, Northern Safety & Industrial, Ohio Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club, PCS Science Department, PCS Student Council, Perfex Corporation, Poland Booster Club, Poland Fine Arts Fans, Poland Parents Support Group, Poland Sand and Gravel, Reddington Ready Mix Co., Rotary Club of Kuyahoora Valley, Snyder’s Fuel, T. Milo Construction, The Alamo Bar & Grill, The Ford Family, The Hill Family, W.E. Autenrith Sons, Inc., and West Canada Creek Campground. Thank you to the supportive families, volunteers, and community members who came to celebrate these young scientists. Their support has been instrumental in making the science fair possible.
“The science fair helps build confidence as students present their work and receive feedback. It encourages perseverance as they navigate challenges throughout their projects,” said Ford. “We are grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible and supporting our students’ growth and learning.”
Judges, including science experts from the area and former alumni, reviewed the projects from students in grades 7-11. Each student entered in one of three categories: natural science, physical science and math/technology. The judges reviewed the projects while considering six areas of criteria: creative ability, thoroughness, skill, clarity, knowledge and scientific method.
“For my science project, I wanted to explore a topic related to the medical field since I’m interested in becoming a sonographer. I decided to study how hand gestures might be connected to personality traits by gathering data through survey questions,” said Cassariah Bronoson, a Poland sophomore.
A total of 108 awards were earned with junior-level awards going to students in grades 7 and 8 and senior-level awards going to grades 9-11. The awards included 24 category awards, 82 special awards, and 2 grand champion awards. 20 students will have the opportunity to compete at the Utica University Regional Science Fair on April 5.
Alaina Meyer was named Grand Champion at the junior level with a project called “Timbercrete: The Green Concrete.”
Harper Hawkridge was named Grand Champion at the senior level with a project called “Can Plants Grow In Microgravity.”
For more information about the Poland Science Fair and full list of awards, visit https://www.polandcs.org/poland-news-and-announcements-page/~board/latest-news-poland-central-school-district-5/post/poland-students-shine-in-37th-annual-science-fair.
For more information on Poland Central School District, visit www.polandcsd.org.
