Bayfield Elementary School had its second annual science fair Wednesday with 28 kindergarten through 4th graders participating.
Participation was voluntary and open to any kids who wanted to do it, BES gifted and talented teacher Kari Marsh said. "We have about two times as many kids this year" compared to last year, she said. Each classroom came to look at the projects.
Kindergartener Aubrianna Foutz explained her project titled "Erosion Beach" that asked whether waves cause erosion. The answer was yes. She took first place in the kindergarten category. Aubrianna's parents are Ingrid and Matt Foutz. Ingrid is a member of the PTSA Science Committee and a science fair volunteer.
First grader Lilja Johnson's project asked what treats dogs like best. She said her hypothesis was that they'd like bacon the best, but it turned out they liked cheese the best. She took second place in the 1st grade category. Lilja's parents are Nicole and Aran Johnson. Nicole also was a fair volunteer.
Second grader Jayden Artichoker took first place for that grade with his project exploring germs. Second grader Alexis Nawrocki took third place by testing different varieties of soda to see how far their carbonation would inflate a balloon.
Some projects obviously had parent help with the presentation, and some were done by the kids.
Marsh said, "The judges actually talk to the kids to see who has done (the work) and if they understand it. They do it at home with family support, but the kids are supposed to do the thinking behind it."
The judges were Kami Larson, Karen Howlett, and Page Lindsey.
Marsh said, "We started making announcements (about the fair) in October. I gave weekly reminders. PTSA did some meetings to support families that wanted ideas. Ms. Liz from the (Pine River) library helped too."
Project winners were:
Kindergarten - Aubrianna Foutz, 1st
1st grade - Xavier Sutherlin, 1st; Lilja Johnson, 2nd
2nd grade - Jayden Artichoker, 1st; Grace and Kurgan Dominey, 2nd; Alexis Nawrocki, 3rd
3rd grade - Parker Perkerewicz, 1st; Zach Hufnagel, 2nd; Bailey Blouin, 3rd
4th grade - Nolan Baxendale, 1st; Tanley Howard, 2nd; Angelina Foutz, 3rd