Just before the winter break, more than 200 fifth- and sixth-grade students at Canyon Rim Elementary participated in the school’s annual science fair, presenting hands-on projects to nearly 700 younger peers. The event provided students with the chance to explore topics of personal interest while learning how scientists approach testing ideas and solving problems. Each student selected a project, developed a hypothesis, conducted experiments, collected data, and drew conclusions.
“The Science Fair is a fantastic opportunity for students to act like real scientists,” said Katie Gifford, a fifth-grade teacher at Canyon Rim. “They work all quarter long on their science projects, so it’s fun to see their finished projects and presentations. The younger students come to see the presentations, and everyone has a great time!”
Projects this year covered subjects such as robotics, projectile launchers, plant growth studies, generating electricity from potatoes, slime experiments, and turning milk into plastic. Students documented their process using presentation boards with photos and written explanations.
One example included two students who tested different substances—sand, cat litter, and mineral rock salt—to determine which melted ice fastest. Their results showed that mineral rock salt was most effective.
Judges evaluated each project as students explained their methodology and answered questions about their findings. Awards were given for first-, second-, and third-place entries in several categories.
The science fair also aimed to connect students across grade levels by allowing nearly 700 pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade attendees to observe older students’ work. This provided younger learners an early look at future classroom experiences.
Gilbert Public Schools District emphasizes curiosity-driven instruction throughout its schools by offering opportunities for creative problem-solving and communication from elementary through secondary grades. According to the official website, the district operates 39 campuses in Gilbert and Mesa serving over 32,000 students with programs such as accelerated learning and gifted education. The district has earned high ratings including A-rated status and recognition for schools of excellence (source). For more information about science education in Gilbert Public Schools District or its mission to foster student achievement from preschool through twelfth grade within supportive environments (source), visit GilbertSchools.net/Teaching-Learning/Curriculum.
