Willow Science Fair 2025: A Celebration of Curiosity and Discovery

This year’s Willow Science Fair was an inspiring showcase of our upper elementary researchers’ creativity, critical thinking, and scientific wonder. With questions drawn from daily life, the natural world, and their own imaginations, our young scientists dove into hands-on experimentation to seek answers and share what they discovered. As diverse as their topics were, several clear themes emerged throughout the fair.

Stroop, Stains, Slime and Strawberries

In the realm of chemistry and reactions, students explored how everyday materials interact in surprising ways. One group investigated how the amount of salt affects how quickly homemade ice cream freezes, combining science and dessert in one cool experiment. Another tested which type of salt—table or Himalayan—produced a better result during electrolysis, diving into the world of ions and electric currents. Students also created invisible inks, bubbling lava lamps, water balls and even milk-based plastics to understand the many reactions hidden in our kitchens and classrooms.

Biology and the natural world were also strong themes, as students turned to plants, fruits, and crystals to explore life’s structures and secrets. In one project, a student compared which fruits revealed their DNA most clearly, turning a science lab into a forensics-style adventure. Another explored which natural materials—such as spinach or red cabbage—produce the strongest green and red dyes. And a spectroscope was used to observe which colors are reflected by leaves, highlighting the invisible interactions between light and life.

The theme of perception and the senses brought out some fascinating psychological explorations. One student tested whether the size or font of text affects how we read, while another examined how our sense of smell and sight influence the way things taste. One particularly thought-provoking project asked whether thoughts can influence eye direction—raising questions about the brain-body connection and how we process the world around us.

In the category of physics and engineering, students explored energy and movement in creative ways. A standout project tested how different types of wire affect the strength of an electrical circuit, diving into concepts like resistance and conductivity. Another observed how changes in water ingredients influence how color moves up the stem of a plant—offering a colorful look at capillary action and fluid movement in nature.

Science for a Better World

Many students focused on materials and design, channeling their curiosity into real-world problem solving. One researcher asked a practical question: what’s the best method for removing stubborn beet stains from clothing? Another looked into how biodegradable materials might replace traditional food packaging, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

In fact, sustainability emerged as a key theme across several projects. From experimenting with milk-based bioplastics to exploring biodegradable packaging alternatives, students showed a deep concern for the planet. These young scientists are already thinking like future engineers and environmentalists, challenging the way we use materials and searching for greener solutions to everyday problems. Their work reminds us that science is not only about understanding the world—it is also about protecting it.

Together, these projects demonstrated that science is not just about answers, but about asking the right questions. Each student showed initiative, patience, and problem-solving skills beyond their years.

This year’s science fair reminds us that science begins with curiosity. A single “what if” can spark a journey of discovery. From colorful experiments to thoughtful innovations, our students proved that the spirit of science is alive and well. With minds like these at work, the future is full of possibility.

–Wind Edward Kim