Elementary Students Host Community for Annual Science Fair

On the evening of March 16th, Chautauqua Lake Elementary students and staff hosted their annual Science Fair for parents and community members. The Science Fair showcases science projects completed by Chautauqua Lake’s 5th-grade students under the direction of veteran teacher, Shari Tennies. This was a welcome return to tradition since last year’s Science Fair was not open to the public due to COVID restrictions. “We were excited to welcome visitors again so we decided to make the event bigger and better,” stated Elementary Principal, Megan Lundgren. The event was expanded to showcase enrichment, art, and makerspace projects, and included an interactive tour of the building’s new Makerspace classroom, as well as a Wax Museum created by 4th-grade students.

Science Fair Winners (left to right) Back Row: Alexis Kleinfelder, Tatum Bensink, Olivia Grover (honorable mentions), Emily Hall (3rd place) Front Row: Isabelle Dawson (Grand Prize), Wyatt Stroth (1st Place), Connor Goulding (2nd Place), Alice Scarpine (3rd Place)

5th-grade students worked on their Science Fair projects for approximately two months. Titles ranged from Factory Eggs Cracked to Have No Fear, Water Power is Here, encompassing 48 projects in 7 areas of science. Projects are judged by a group of high school physics students using specific criteria. This year’s winners are pictured right. Isabelle Dawson, Grand Prize Winner for her project,  “Nuclear Fusion” stated, "The Science Fair was a very enjoyable experience.  I enjoyed getting to show the idea I created."

Rebecca Ames as Galileo

In addition, 4th-grade students created a Wax Museum in which they dressed up as a historical figure that they researched. Students completed a biography project on an influential person from history and were essentially “frozen in time”; students changed their hair and clothing, memorized a short speech, and brought props to show the accomplishments of that individual. Visitors learned about individuals such as Rosa Parks, Galileo, Lucille Ball, King Tut, Anne Frank, Alexander Graham Bell, Barack Obama, Sacagawea, Walt Disney, Abraham Lincoln, Marie Curie, and more.  “I am so proud of the hard work, creativity, and determination that every 4th grader put into their research and biography presentation. Each influential figure came to life during the Wax Museum, it was truly a wonderful experience for all,” stated 4th-grade teacher, Emily Abbotoy. 

Students and staff are already looking forward to hosting this event in 2023! 

Read the feature in the Post-Journal, Chautauqua Lake Hosts School Science Fair. 

Jaydyn Barrett as Abraham Lincoln

Mackenna Hardenburg as King Tut

Sidney Cannon as Lucille Ball