Fair inspires love of science at Vina

In the second year for the Vina science fair, third grade science teacher Leigh Burks and fourth through sixth grade science teacher Jamie Payne got to see just how much their students knew about how to conduct – and document, and explain – a scientific experiment.

“I’m really proud of them. They have worked so hard,” Burks said. She said the science fair, which was voluntary, spurred excitement in most of the students who participated, like Bryson Finch. “He did a volcano, and he has been so excited. He has been waiting for this day.”

The fair was held last week. Judging took place a midday, and parents and families were invited to the school in the evening to view the projects and the awards presentation.

Burks and Payne said the fair is a good way to assess whether their students have absorbed safety principles for science as well as whether they understand the scientific method – not to mention that it gets them comfortable with answering questions and talking with adults with good manners and confidence.

Judges for the contest were Rebecca Darby and Lori McGuire with AMSTI along with Barry Wiginton, instructional technology specialist at UNA.

Winners were Keyara Undress (honorable mention), Pandora Tucker (fourth place), Baylie Scott (third), Benjamin Bolton (second), Anna Kate Burks (first) and Annie Kayte Scott (overall winner).