Hundreds of Students Take Part in Annual Science Fair

The multi-purpose room (MPR) at Lexington Junior High was filled with scientists of all ages for the school’s annual science fair held on January 16. The Anaheim Union High School District campus transformed the space to showcase the science projects Lexington seventh-and eighth-grade students had been working on for the past four months. The work was spotlighted on 15 large presentation screens stationed around the perimeter of the room.

Students entered the MPR to present their projects to the judges positioned at each monitor, including industry professionals, scientists, and engineers (author’s note: I was one of the judges). Each project was scored based on the scientific method. 

From 8 a.m. to noon the room was crowded with students presenting their work. More than 300 of Lexington’s 1,100 students participated. There were over 250 projects, according to science teacher and organizer Anita Dunham. 

“Students were encouraged to choose topics they were genuinely interested in,” Dunham said. Many of the projects were set to solve real-world problems, such as improving local water quality, hand cleanliness, food quality, and wind power. 

One project examined the angle of baseball swings needed to get the furthest hits. Several measured the height of geysers made with soda and the candy Mentos. Some students studied the chemistry of baking. Another looked at the effects of chewing gum on students taking tests. Others brought models and prototypes of their work.

Both the students and the scientists were excited to participate. The top projects will be submitted to the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair (OCSEF) next month. Judging will take place in March.

Dunham noted that this was the results of a team effort involving four science teachers working with students, along with Principal Daniel Klatzker, and the school’s I.T. specialist.   

“The event is valued as a way for students to practice the district’s five C’s, especially communication skills,” Dunham said, referring to the AUHSD's core values, that include teaching students collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and compassion. Students presenting to adults from outside the school “helps build students’ confidence, regardless of their initial public speaking ability,” Dunham added.

Lexington has held the annual event for about 15 years and is the only AUHSD junior high campus that holds an annual science fair.