Wonders Of The World Explored Through Science

Science is a way of understanding the world around us by asking questions and making educated guesses in order to draw a conclusion.  It doesn’t exactly prove anything since all ideas are subject to change once new evidence is found.     Recently a group of students at Panama Coast International School (PCIS) in Gorgona had the opportunity to participate in their first ever Science Fair.  The PCIS Science Fair was held on Tuesday at California Burger in Coronado from 4-6 in the afternoon.

According to Kathy Kress, Principal of PCIS, “students ages 5 to 17 have been learning about the scientific method, which is all about asking questions and trying to come up with answers.”  In order to create their projects for the science fair, they had to come up with an idea and were given a budget along with time and location restraints. Next they came up with a list of educated guesses or hypotheses, and planned their time, location, procedure and materials lists. “During the experiment they recorded their data in written and graphic formats and from the data drew conclusions about the accuracy of their hypotheses.” And finally, “they used their conclusions to develop even more questions,” Kress said.

Students at the elementary level worked in teams while older students created projects on their own. Work was started in school but the final projects were completed at home.
Along with furthering their knowledge of science the students developed mathematical skills by: summarizing and creating tables and graphs using Excel.  They also learned word processing or penmanship, organization and time management along with photography and drawing skills.

Some of the questions proposed in the exhibits included:
1.    Does the price of a battery effect how long it lasts?
2.    How long does a $10 tube of long-wearing lipstick last?
3.    Which cereal stays crispy the longest in milk?
4.    Does one type of bubble gum make bigger bubbles than the others?
5.    Does a better brand of sneaker effect athletic performance?
6.    Will an ice cube melt faster in the shade or sun?
7.    Does the color of food effect how much we eat of it?
8.    Can bread be made without yeast?
9.    Is one brand of nail polish more durable than the others?
10.    Does a person’s age effect how well they can remember?

And what a surprise to find a picture of the new CASA (Coronado Area Social Association) board members faces on the exhibit about aging. It brought a smile to the face of the author of this article along with her photographer husband who was suddenly starting at his own picture.

Kathy Kress, Principal of PCIS wishes to give a special thanks to California Burger for allowing the use of their facility.  And also a big thanks you to Steve Johnson for his dedication to this project through many hours of volunteer work.