Southwestern Academy Science Fair

It is common knowledge that science is an essential part of education not just in school but later in life. Southwestern Academy’s annual Science Fair gives students a chance to shine and teaches them vital life skills.

“The real world benefit of [the Science Fair] is to get students to learn how to plan, how to follow through and how to present their findings…[it] covers all aspects not just science. Most importantly I think it teaches them how to work together,” said Lauren Brunjes, a science teacher at Southwestern Academy.

Students have the chance to participate in two categories; experimental or a Rube Goldberg competition. Experimental projects challenge students to come up with their own projects and test their hypothesis using the Scientific Method. Ms. Brunjes describes some experiments students are testing such as, testing the best material to build parachutes with and how the fat content of a beverage helps cool your mouth after eating spicy food.

The Rube Goldberg Competition challenges students to use six different types of simple machines to complete a task. This year’s task is to turn on a light bulb. Brunjes explains that these projects take a lot of planning and thought behind them.

“It’s about learning what you originally designed in your head may not actually work. And so you have to go back to revise and fix those kinds of things,” said Brunjes.

The Science Fair is open to all and Brunjes hopes the community will come out and support Southwestern Academy’s students.

The Science Fair will take place on Thursday, December 17 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Southwestern Academy’s San Marino Campus. They are located at 2800 Monterey Road in San Marino. Call (626) 799-5010 or visit www.southwesternacademy.edu for more details.