Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Ryder Kress, a fifth-grader at Glendover, says explaining a project well is crucial to success in a science fair. (Photo: Tammy L. Lane)

The science bug can bite early, as elementary school lab teachers can attest.

“When they come to my room, it’s their chance to try it themselves and really dig deep into it,” said Hillary McWhorter of Glendover Elementary, where science lab is part of the school’s six-day “specials” rotation.

For youngsters like Ryder Kress, the lab experience and some extra work at home can pay off with recognition and awards. Ryder, who placed second in the regional competition last year, will enter his latest science project in the Kentucky American Water / FCPS District Science Fair this Saturday.

“He came to me in August about how excited he was because he’d already started his project,” McWhorter said. “This is one of those things that gets him motivated. The competition really pushes him to do better.”

More than 600 students in grades 4 through 12 will be judged at the district level this weekend after having advanced from their school science fairs.

“In order to move on, the kid really has to have a stake in it and know what they’re talking about,” McWhorter said. “Being able to articulate the science and why they did it and what they’re going to do with the information – it’s a hard thing for kids to do.”

Last year, Ryder demonstrated why ceramic knives are sharper and last longer. His fifth-grade project is in the microbiology category. In a nutshell, he has determined which kind of antibacterial wipes best reduce the germs on a grocery cart handle.

According to Ryder, projects don’t have to be complex to impress the judges. “Most of the time, it doesn’t matter how horrible your project is – it matters how you explain it,” he said.

McWhorter tried to help her Glendover students prepare this year by creating an assignment calendar so they could plan ahead and make steady progress.

“They’re responsible for their own learning, for every step along the way,” she said. “And they’re responsible for asking for help.”

And in the end, she said, that self-discipline and motivation are among the most rewarding aspects of doing a science fair project.

“On the day of (the judging), I look at the kids and ask them, ‘Are you proud of your work?’” McWhorter said. “It’s a real accomplishment just to do it. It’s an incredible amount of work for a 10-year-old.”

If you go

What: Kentucky American Water / FCPS District Science Fair

Theme: “Jump into Science – Running Strong for 125 Years” (a play on the World Equestrian Games and the water company’s 125^th anniversary)

Who: About 650 students in grades 4-12 will present their projects for judging.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday Feb. 6; winners announced at 3 p.m. in the gym.

Where: Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road

Extras: The Explorium will coordinate hands-on activities and exhibits, including live raptors.

Awards: In addition to grade-level and category winners, the recognitions will include Water Awards and the Mayor’s Urban Environmental Award.

The back story: Kentucky American Water established the District Science Fair for junior high students during the company’s centennial celebration in 1985. The next year, the company joined with Fayette County Public Schools in coordinating the event. The science fair has since expanded twice – in 1989 to add elementary school projects and in 1991 to include high schools.

Next up: District winners advance to the Central Kentucky Regional Science and Engineering Fair, set for Feb. 27 at the University of Kentucky.