SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Kids First Montessori held its third annual science fair on April 27 featuring 50 exhibits sponsored by preschoolers.
The fair opened with a ribbon-cutting and concluded with an extensive awards ceremony, and in between, the young scientists spoke on a variety of subjects including solar energy, the earth, the moon, the five senses, wildcats and penguins.
For the day, the school’s classrooms were transformed into rows of work stations featuring elaborately decorated tri-fold boards, experiments and visual aids. As family and friends visited each station, the children shared what they learned and answered questions.
On the subject of solar energy, Shlok was well versed as he explained how solar panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity. As part of his presentation, his station featured an oven made out of a pizza box and solar lights made from mason jars.
Nearby, Aditi educated passersby about the earth and how it revolves around the sun while the moon revolves around the earth.
And, not far away, Risha spoke about the phases of the moon depicted by sculpted cookies.
Walking further into the fray of science exhibits, spectators witnessed Shiv with his impressive display of the five senses, where he was thrilled to show people his telescope and laser flashlight.
In other areas of science, Lionel boasted a full display of wildcats while Medha exhibited a full array of penguins.
All 50 students were well-educated on their chosen subjects, and guests enjoyed viewing creative displays from live worms in soil to a working volcano.
Kids First Montessori owner and teacher Madhavi Veerapaneni, explained that science is all around us, and children are natural observers who are fascinated to learn how things work. To that end, her curriculum incorporates interactive, hands on learning materials that teach many subjects ranging from gravity and magnetism to
In addition to demonstrating what they have learned, this science fair was also designed to teach students presentation skills, confidence and creativity.
After the guests finished viewing the students’ science stations, an extensive awards ceremony was held. During the days leading up to the event, students honed their public speaking skills by learning how to hold and speak clearly into a microphone. Each student introduced his or her own science project before being awarded a personalized Science Star metal.
At the end of the day, students were congratulated with handshakes and given framed certificates of participation in the third annual Kids First Montessori School’s Science Fair.
This article was written by teacher Mary Ezzo.