Science Jam’s success is really elementary
B.C.’s largest non-competitive science fair celebrated its birthday at Aberdeen Centre on Tuesday.
After a decade of volcanoes, lemon batteries and solar systems, hundreds of energetic young Einsteins’ were ready to dazzle with their knowledge during the 10th annual Science Jam.
Event co-ordinator Rosalind Poon said this year’s event was “the best one yet.” More than 1,285 elementary school scientists from Grades 3 to 7 participated, and 600 projects were displayed.
“It’s amazing to have all these kids truly excited about science.”
Angela Soon, the creator of this event, reflected upon how even though Science Jam has grown over the course of these 10 years, it still remains true to the original three points that were the backbone to her idea: “Fun, free and non-competitive.”
The kids from Anderson Elementary, dressed in space suits and other costumes, were hugely passionate about a massive, cumulative space dome that the class of 30 came together to create over three weeks.
“It feels really good to see all that we’ve accomplished. Teamwork was such an important part of this project, and we all learned a lot from it. It was a great experience,” said Christina Yang, a Grade 7 student.
Upon entering the black tent, the space dome greeted its visitors with multi-coloured 3-D displays of planets, mock space shuttle take-offs, and more.
The students, having scripted out tours and memorized an abundance of information, were lined up eagerly to guide visitors through their exhibit.
“Having a science display with no competition or ranking allows the kids freedom to express their interests to their fullest and for everyone to participate and feel good about themselves and science,” Poon said.
A more humanitarian inspired project was one devotedly completed by three grade 6/7 students.
Entitled Saving Kenya, the project by Sarah Chen, Cici Qui, and Harkerut Sareh, went on to describe soil types and mixtures that the kids had explored in an attempt to create a soil strong enough to prevent the collapse of structures should another earthquake strike Kenya.
They shared that they were motivated by the prospect of helping prevent families from having to suffer as they did during the last earthquake.
Physics in Motion was a project about gravity and energy by Tait’s Grade 6 students Christopher Mok, Johnathon Herft, and Kengi Nirano.
“We want to learn more about physics and Isaac Newton. We really marvel his discoveries,” Mok said.
The three aspiring Newtons rolled a Hot Wheels car down a wooden ramp, using different factors like oil to create friction and a parachute to observe the influence it has on the car’s speed.
The overall enthusiasm, energy, and high quality of projects made this Science Jam 2013 a success.
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