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| Science Fair Projects |
The Freewill Community Development Corp. is hosting the event and the deadline for entries is Monday. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 21 at Carver High School.
Ruby Turner, a Freewill Community Development Corp. volunteer, said the organization decided to broach the idea of a fair because of a lack of student interest in science and math. Turner said the group hosts a tutoring program and students just weren't excited about those subjects.
"We want to stir up interest," Turner said. "They thought 'those are those boring classes.'"
In reality though, science and math are essential for students who want to become competitive in the 21st century.
Turner said many careers require in-depth science and math knowledge, and she wants students to know what is available to them.
"We want the children to begin to master a concept that will help them to succeed," she said.
The science fair supports the emphasis the school system has placed on science programs, Montgomery Superintendent Barbara Thompson said in a written statement.
Thompson also said such subject areas are key to students becoming successful in the future.
"As an educator, I know how important it is for students to have a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and math if we expect them to be competitive in college and the workforce," Thompson said. "Most high-demand, well-paying career fields require students with advanced skills and science brings together math and reading in a way makes sense for students."
Students who want to participate in Freewill's fair can submit projects in one of six categories: physical science, earth science, biological science, environmental science, math and computer science and engineering science. Only one project per student will be accepted.
Freewill Community Development Corp. will give out prizes to the winners ranging from $100 to $500 for first, second and third place winners. Scholarships will also be awarded to grand prize winners in the high school division.
Students will be required to demonstrate and explain their project to judges at the science fair. The competition is open to Montgomery Public Schools students in grades 3-12.
Turner said the fair can accommodate up to 75 participants and right now they are still looking for more students to enter. She said the group hopes to make the science fair an annual event.
