Sparks of Discovery at the Willow Science Fair

The Willow Upper Elementary students recently transformed their classrooms into a vibrant showcase of scientific curiosity and hands-on discovery during this year’s Science Fair. Guided by their own questions and interests, students explored an impressive range of scientific concepts through experiments, engineering challenges, and design investigations.

This year’s projects reflected the spirit of Montessori learning: children pursuing meaningful questions through research, observation, experimentation, and revision. Topics ranged from chemistry and physics to biology, environmental science, and engineering design. 

Students investigated everything from vitamin C levels in fruit, edible slime elasticity, and mushroom growth, to magnetic eddy currents, electroplating, and iodine clock reactions. Others designed working models and prototypes including maglev trains, marble roller coasters, solar ovens, and citrus-powered batteries.

One of the most exciting aspects of the fair was seeing how students approached authentic scientific inquiry. They learned that experimentation does not always go as planned—and that adaptation is part of the scientific process. One project exploring electricity generation through spinning tops evolved into an investigation of persistence of vision and color theory after initial trials proved unsuccessful. This flexibility, resilience, and willingness to rethink ideas are important habits of both scientists and lifelong learners.

Many projects also reflected students’ growing awareness of the wider world and environmental responsibility. Students explored filtering microplastics using ferrofluids, examined bacterial growth on classroom objects, studied oxidation and rusting, and investigated how airflow affects mushroom growth. These inquiries encouraged students to connect scientific thinking with real-world issues and everyday life.

Throughout the process, students practiced essential skills including research, data collection, measurement, collaboration, public speaking, and critical thinking. Just as importantly, they experienced the joy of asking questions, testing ideas, and sharing discoveries with others. The Willow Science Fair was not simply a display of finished projects—it was a celebration of curiosity, perseverance, and the excitement of learning.

We are incredibly proud of the Willow students for the creativity, effort, and enthusiasm they brought to their work, and grateful to the guides and families who supported them throughout the process.

The future of science is certainly bright at MST.

Wind Edward Kim