The Heide Trask High School Adaptive Science Fair was held on Tuesday, April 15 in the HTHS Media Center. Over 20 students involved with the HTHS Adaptive Program participated in the event.
How do you make invisible ink? What makes ice melt the fastest? Does food color affect taste? What makes gummy bears grow? These were some of the unique topics that students researched, designed and analyzed over the course of several weeks, and then presented to their classmates and community judges. Thanks to the support of their teachers and instructional assistants, the young scientists were able to share their findings with great enthusiasm, expertise, and confidence. All student presenters were awarded science fair ribbons for their hard work,but four projects received special recognition.
Colorful Emotions -- Ya'sson, Isaiah, Brooke P., Ms. Graham (1st Place)
What Makes Ice Melt the Fastest? -- Jaden, Guyson, Ty'rek, Ms. Hutnik (2nd Place)
Diffusing Skittles -- Mayte, Marco, Kaison, Ms. Parlier (3rd Place)
Underwater Volcano -- Hunter, Eric, Ms. Patenaude (Honorable Mention)
Growing Gummy Bears -- Jae'Quan, Jack, Tyrese, Ms. Balderson
Invisible Ink -- Nate, Brooke T., Aaron, Ms. Bannerman
Does Food Color Affect Taste? -- Ayden, Landen, Mr. McCready
When reflecting about her students' performance at the science fair, Ms. Bailey Graham said "I'm so proud of them. They worked so hard and took pride in their projects. It also gave the Instructional assistants an opportunity to lead a group, be creative, and design & modify instruction." As Ms. Graham's comment indicates, the science fair was truly a collaborative and community-driven effort. Students took ownership over their projects, and classroom educators supported student learning through scaffolding content and offering guidance as needed. Additional HTHS teachers and administrators, alongside several PCS district personnel, served not only as judges at the science fair, but as motivators and even learners! Dr. Brandy Sawyer (Chief Academic Officer of Pender County Schools) and Dr. Alissa Lee (AIG Director of Pender County Schools) were able to create special artwork with invisible ink using guidance from one student presenter!
One student was so overjoyed that she actually jumped out of her desk and hugged her teacher when she found out her group placed in the top 3 of the science fair. Another adaptive teacher, Ms. Balderson, was moved to happy tears after seeing her students' excitement over the final results. Clearly, the HTHS Adaptive Science Fair was not just an academic event; it was a celebration of scientific discovery, student ability, acceptance, and the future of our community.
Congratulations again to all student presenters, and many thanks to every adult who took time out of their schedules to help make Tuesday's event one to remember!
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