Bay Ridge
Is there really iron in my breakfast cereal? Can we use solar power to cook? How does the digestive system work? Does wifi affect living things? And how can you build tall buildings safely?
You want answers? Well, the students at St. Anselm Catholic Academy examined these and many other STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math) science conundrums at the school’s annual science fair, held April 19 at Meletia Hall.
Parents, students, and guests wandered through the exhibits and listened as the budding researchers discussed their findings. Some of the exhibits were interactive, and offered the visitors the opportunity of a hands-on experience. The fair provided a science-’rific opportunity for younger students to interact with and learn from older students.
Students in grades PreK through third grade presented a class research project, hosted by student representatives, while upper grade students presented their individual or group projects. Topics included the formation of secondary colors, how food moves along the digestive system, searching for the presence of iron in breakfast cereal, determining whether tall buildings can be constructed safely, and the effects of wifi on plants.
Student scientists explained their research question and methodology while discussing and demonstrating their work; then they presented their findings, along with implications on how their findings affected our day-to-day living.
Thanks to the hard work of families who suppled the materials, the students that did the research, the teachers who fostered the skills, James McKeon for his support and encouragement, the STEM committee — including Eileen Downey, Margaret Cronin, Theresa Torre, and Angelica Capotorto — for their work in the selection process, STEM coordinator Christine Deem, and finally the hard working students who did such exemplary work.
St Anselm’s School [365 83rd St. at Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge, (718) 745–7643].
