Hundreds of budding scientists will display everything from bumble bees and honey to molecular biology and genetics at a science fair slated Friday at the Floyd C. Fretz Middle School.
In existence for nearly 20 years, the annual event is planned from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lorana Avenue school.
“Science is a subject where students can actively be engaged in their learning,” teacher Janice Russell told The Era this week. “They can take risks without fear of failure. They can apply skills learned in math and reading in their research and investigation.”
Community members embrace the science fair, and they flock to see the projects set up at the event, she said.
“The purpose is to promote science, encourage the natural interest in scientific topics that our children have, and to give the students an opportunity to display their work,” said Tammy Dittman, enrichment teacher from George G. Blaisdell and School Street elementary schools.
While science technology engineering and math, known as STEM, are a major concentration at schools across the United States, those topics have always been a heavy focus of the district’s science fair, Russell said.
At the Bradford science fair, 25 classrooms from George G. Blaisdell Elementary School will participate, which will total about 500 students.
“At that level, teachers choose whether or not to participate and all of the children participate in the project,” Dittman said.
Meanwhile, around 200 students are taking part from School Street Elementary.
“The children work independently or with a partner. Their projects are judged. Projects about animals and the earth are popular. Chemistry and physical science topics are very popular, also. There is a big variety of topics and anyone that attends the Science Fair will be surprised by the diversity,” Dittman said.
She also said, “I have actually have more girls that participate than boys. Some students tell me what they are doing for their Science Fair project in the beginning of the school year. They are very motivated. I’m sure some of their interest will result in jobs in the science field in the future.”
The number of high school students involved could not be determined.
Traditionally, the science fair has been held the first Friday in May, but officials wanted to make sure more high school students could participate, she said.
“High school students enrolled in AP (Advanced Placement) courses were unable to participate because of exams. Every year there is a great deal of excitement leading up to the event and this year is no exception,” Russell said.
The science tradition is in collaboration between the Bradford Area School District faculty, staff and administration. Dittman is heading the organization at the elementary schools, and Russell is spearheading efforts at the middle and high schools.
