Students Display Innovation, Creativity at Kent Place Science Expo

The following information was provided by Kent Place.

Kent Place teachers, students and parents gathered on Thursday, March 7, for an evening celebrating scientific exploration. They observed research projects created by Middle School students on display in the Great Room for the annual Science Expo. The expo showcased PowerPoint and tri-fold board presentations, which examined science in their lives.  

Kent Place Upper School students and members of the Science National Honor Society were on hand to support their younger counterparts. They conducted peer reviews, took pictures and captured live experiments on video. An award ceremony followed the presentations.

The sixth grade students addressed the topic “Do You Believe the Hype?” They followed the scientific process to test the validity of a claim by comparing consumer products and experimenting with factors that might change the effectiveness of those products.  In the process they learned how to think like scientists: observing, hypothesizing and questioning their surroundings. In addition, they learned the importance of research and data collection in their experimentations.

Seventh grade students were challenged to create “Sustainable Cities.” They were asked to collaborate together as a class and build a sustainable city, addressing various environmental issues that the earth is currently facing. The project was designed to extend their understanding of the conservation of earth’s resources. The girls had an opportunity to explore some of the most relevant environmental crises of our time, including air and water pollution, energy conservation and climate change. In the process of creating their cities, the students applied the engineering process and learned practical skills regarding the design, electricity, and renewable resources.  

The eighth grade Expo projects focused on “Science in Your Life.” Students built on their knowledge of the scientific process as they experienced firsthand how science concepts apply to real world situations. Through their research and experiments they expanded their understanding of everyday phenomena. As they gathered new information, their original opinions often changed. They learned that questioning is the starting point to deeper understanding. 

“The six-week process of the Science Expo allows the girls to practice the skills of a real scientist. Through collaboration, problem solving and use of the scientific process, the girls design, invent and explore topics which help them make connections between science and their everyday lives,” noted Chair of the Science Department Wendy Hall.

The goal of the Kent Place science program is to foster an excitement and enthusiasm for learning about the natural world in an atmosphere of scientific inquiry. Through the process of independent research, lab practicals and demonstrations, students learn to manipulate the tools of a scientist and to observe, record, analyze and draw conclusions as they solve scientific questions. By the end of Middle School, students have learned both investigative laboratory skills and a body of scientific knowledge in a broad range of scientific disciplines that will serve as a solid foundation for future laboratory research courses. For more information please visit,www.kentplace.org.