Living in a wonderful world of science with so many unanswered questions, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater fourth and fifth grade students intended to answer some of those questions at this year’s Annual Science Fair. Students wowed NASA judges, parents and guests with the results of their research, which was the culmination of several months of exploration using the scientific method of study and the process of theorizing how and why things work. Topics ranged from the effects of carbon dioxide on plant growth to the effects of catapult tension on projectile distance and more. Students honed their skills in writing and public speaking by developing written reports and presenting their findings.
Science teacher Tanya Conley plans the program and mentors her students. Dr. Steven Becker, HAT parent and professor in ODU’s College of Health Sciences and at EVMS, says “The Science Fair was very impressive. Many of the posters were remarkably well done, particularly when one considers that they were created by elementary school-aged students.
“The fourth and fifth graders deserve a lot of credit,” says Becker, who is frequently involved in evaluating scientific presentations at the college and post-graduate levels. “Likewise, HAT and its faculty deserve praise for inspiring the students to do such outstanding work.” The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as Becker’s daughter, Ilana, won in a second place tie for her project.
During the Science Fair, NASA scientists and contest judges, Dr. Chris Wohl and Dr. Yi Lin, interviewed each student, reviewed and deliberated on the displays. They judged on creativity, scientific merit, data collection, analysis, presentation and linear thinking. They also inspected and evaluated a variety of extraordinary bridge models created by HAT third graders.
The awards ceremony took placde the following day. All are commended for their creativity and hard work.
Hebrew Academy Science Fair 2015 winners
1st place: Evan Nied (How Does Carbon Dioxide Affect Plant Growth)
2nd place (tie): Bella Cardon (Floating Eggs) and Ilana Becker (The Temperature Danger Zone and Your Food)
3rd place: Abby Seeman (The Effects of Catapult Tension on Projectile Distance)
Honorable mention: Cooper Poorman (Craters and Meteorite Size)
People’s Choice award: Abbie Friedman (Musical Math)
Third Grade Bridge Awards
First place: Kaylah Walker and Talia Chapel for their drawbridge
Second place: Katie Auerbach and Skyel Nidam for their cablestayed bridge
Third place: Izzy Seeman and Isabella Leon for their beam bridge
Honorable mentions: Jack Jenkins and Jacob Waters for their suspension bridge
Rebecca Auerbach and Nava Kempner for their arch bridge
Leila Abrams and Sylvie Cardon for their drawbridge
Sam Stromberg and Jonah Zuckerman for their arch bridge
Hebrew Academy of Tidewater is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
by Dee Dee Becker