Science fair at St. Pat’s sparks fun and learning

March 3, 2015 Editorial Staff

Photos courtesy of St. Patrick Catholic Academy

Share this:

The spirit of Catholic Schools Week was in the air at St. Patrick Catholic Academy on Thursday, February 5, as students participated in the annual Science Fair. Rescheduled twice due to snow and ice, the young scientists were eager to share their findings with parents, classmates and judges during the fair, which took place in the academy’s Aldo Bruschi Auditorium.

Students in grades three through eight conducted experiments and explored a wide array of scientific topics, recording their findings on colorful poster boards that filled the auditorium.

Photos courtesy of St. Patrick Catholic Academy

Eighth-grader Helen El-Achkar studied soil erosion, while her younger brother Michael of grade four dazzled classmates with his project, titled “Balloon Magic.” Third-grader Andrew Radola studied surface tension for his project and had a blast being part of his first Science Fair. “I love science,” he told a photographer.

Fifth-grader Michael Diaz studied electricity and created his own battery. His classmate Anthony Villamagna drew a large crowd of students who couldn’t wait to touch the gooey slime he created for his project, titled “Is Slime a Liquid or a Solid?”

The Science Fair also gave visitors a glimpse at some of the most inventive scientific minds. Sixth-grader Jason Segarra created his very own instructable hand, which he controlled by pulling strings linked to its fingers. Fourth-grader Michael Barba enjoyed simulating tornadoes for his project, which also drew crowds of interested spectators.

The Science Fair marked the official end of the annual Catholic Schools Week activities, which this year included an Art Fair, a “True Blue Day” tribute to local NYPD officers, a visit from Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez and a decades-themed dress-down day.