Written by Ingrid Gendler
A science fair is great way for PAL students to gain hands-on experience doing experiments and learning about the world. That’s why in this blog post we’d like to share a little bit about PAL’s science fair, and tell you a little more about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) at PAL.
This year, young scientists from across PALs centers participated in a virtual science fair. Students from grades 3-8 explored the theme “Kid Tested, Science Approved” through their creative and novel projects. PAL kids presented their projects to each other and to volunteer judges from PAL's partners Con Edison, Met Life, and to PAL’s own education staff.
In addition to the great work by PAL’s scientists in training, an NYPD criminologist gave their time to teach PAL’s kids about evidence collection and answer some audience questions.
After getting some practice using the scientific method to design experiments and conduct trials, the kids put together presentations showcasing their hard work. Topics of the fair stretched far and wide, covering everything from the chemistry of salt and water density, to ecological studies of food chain disruption.
Participants from P.S. 48 took first place, with second place a tie between participants from PAL’s Duncan Center and from PAL’s Webster Center. Third-place went to scientists from PAL’s Edward Byrne Center.
We send congratulations to all our winners and everyone who participated! The valuable hands-on experience with scientific exploration has no doubt planted the seed of inquiry and discovery in PAL kids, and we cannot wait to see how they will apply these interests and make the world a better place.
