Parents, children and guests gathered around exhibits to listen as young researchers discussed their findings at St. Anselm Catholic Academy’s SACA STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Math) Fair in Bay Ridge. Some exhibits offered a hands-on learning experience.

Each of the classes in grades PreK3 through third provided a class research project, which was hosted by student representatives, while upper-grade students presented individual or group projects. Topics included the formation of secondary colors, how food moves along the digestive system, searching for the presence of iron in breakfast cereal, determining whether tall buildings can be constructed safely and the effects of WiFi on plants. The students explained their research question, methodology, discussed or demonstrated their work and then presented their findings along with implications for everyday life.

Above, fourth-graders, Samantha Angerome, left, and Meghan Brennan, with Kiera Thomas in the background, show off their exhibit on WiFi and plant growth. Below, fifth-graders, Jack Taylor and Jacob Capric, present Iron or What?