Science Fair!

Nicole Lafreniere, Supervising Teacher at Kawana Elementary

On March 21st, students in the CalSERVES After School program showcased science projects to Santa Rosa residents, parents, and teachers in the cafeteria of Kawana Elementary School. As a class or with an individual mentor, kids were able to conduct a two-week experiment of their choosing. They then illustrated what they learned on a traditional display board. “We really wanted to support our kids in researching a topic that interested them and not say something is or isn’t science because science is everywhere,” says fair founder and After School Mentor, Kelly Richmond.


Projects entailed Defining Density (3rd grade), “Catching” a Rainbow (4th), examining Plant Absorbency (5th), and uncovering the tactile wonders of creating a “Rubber Egg” with a little amateur chemistry (1st/2nd).

Kawana’s 6th grade class was so inspired that after studying the functions of the human lung, they sought to use their findings to serve a greater cause—educating the public about a healthy lifestyle. “We are going to use our findings in our service outreach with the community,” said 6th grade mentor Sam Sowl. “It’s going to be nice that, after all the work, our kids will be able to see not only the scientific process, but how this is applied in a greater context.”

Yet, aside from the sheer fun of an experiment, Kawana’s After School Science Fair also gave students a chance to explore a subject sometimes absent from the normal school day. Due to funding and unfortunate budget cuts, science has taken second-stage to other subjects such as English and Math. However, as they highlighted their results on Friday, students seemed better acquainted with a new academic discipline.

Organizer Kelly Richmond feels that the fair was a great success. “All I wanted was to get kids interested, to have them question the things that occur in life, and to understand that science is an interesting approach to answering these questions,” Richmond said. With a smile she then added, “I think, at least, that we saw that interest today.”