Young Scientists at St. Michael

Young Scientists at St. Michael

On March 26, 2010, Saint Michael School in Orland Park hosted its second annual PRISM (Practical Research Investigating the Scientific Method) Primary Science Expo. The event was organized by the science teachers of the first, second and third grades, Mrs. Bartlett, Ms. DeMatteo and Mrs. Johnson. PRISM is a child-centered, noncompetitive science exposition where students work outside of school to investigate a scientific topic and display the results of their study.

The students were given the opportunity to present one of four types of projects: a collection, an invention, an investigation, or a portfolio. Third grade students were required to participate in the expo as part of their science curriculum; however, participation was optional for grades one and two. Nonetheless, 18 first graders and 18 second graders proudly presented their projects at the science fair. The teachers were delighted to see all 105 projects lining the tables of the expo.

Both parents and St. Michael School students were invited to view the projects throughout the day. Those who came were treated to a wide variety of fascinating topics that ranged from studies of animal tracks, and the life cycle of frogs, to experiments on how food affects blood sugar levels, and whether the price of laundry detergent affects its cleaning ability.

While it is understood that these young students will need some direction throughout the process, at the beginning of the projects parents are encouraged to assist their children in a way that lets the child do as much of the work as possible. "I am always excited to see the fantastic work that these students do, especially the younger students who do this on a volunteer basis," commented first grade teacher, Mrs. Bartlett.

"I am very proud of the work that my son did," said second grade parent, Jenna Hnilo. "He chose a topic that he was interested in and ran with it. He certainly learned a lot about his topic as well."