April 12-13, 2012 Dolly Bergen’s physics classes presented their science fair projects to a variety of their peers and elementary students. All five of Bergen’s physics classes have been working valiantly on a myriad of physics projects for months, each showcasing their knowledge of the subject.

In groups of four to five, the students received their topics and instructions for the project at the end of the first semester. These topics could range anywhere from taking apart a refrigerator to creating a fully working roller coaster. While the majority of our campus was taking a break from school over winter break, Bergen’s students were busy gathering information and deciphering the physics behind their assigned topic. Many of the groups met many times to plan, organize, and create their project.

Having so long to complete the project, Bergen expected nothing but the very best to be exhibited. Senior Katya Murillo says, “At first it felt like the projects were going to be impossible, but it actually was fun and pretty easy”. The projects were due the first day back from spring break, and were taken to the Shark Tank. A trifold board and a model of each individual topic accompanied each project displayed.

First, fifth, and sixth graders from Orange Elementary School toured the Shark Tank, lead solely by students to each project. On the last day of the Science Fair other science classes briefly visited the fair.

Many of the projects were hands-on, and were especially effective in capturing the attention of kids and teenagers alike. In this aspect Bergen was especially content as she mentioned, “one of the goals of this [Science Fair] is to spark the imagination of the little kids” and hopefully spark an interest in science for them.

This is the Second Annual Science Fair, and Bergen hopes that, “next year will be an even more elaborate”.