Last Friday, our Grade 6 and 7 students transformed the Cougar Café into a vibrant hub of scientific discovery at this year’s Middle School Science Fair where they proudly presented their projects to an audience of teachers, parents, peers, and guests from Yokohama Science Frontier High School.

From investigating which braced frame structures best withstand earthquake forces to examining the effects of different liquids on tooth staining, the students showcased a wide range of creative, inquiry-driven investigations. Topics reflected their diverse interests, from environmental science and engineering to the biology of taste and flavor, highlighting the real-world relevance of science in our everyday lives.

The Science Fair is the culmination of a two-month journey in which students collaborate in pairs or small groups to design and carry out their own experiments using the scientific method. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and exercise true agency in the scientific process by choosing a topic that interests them. Throughout the process, our students honed essential skills such as critical thinking, research, data collection and analysis, communication, and project management. Many groups also encountered – and overcame – unexpected challenges along the way, gaining valuable experience in troubleshooting, adaptation, and resilience.

During the fair, visitors were invited to walk through the exhibit space, engage with student presenters, ask questions, and provide feedback.  "The students were so incredibly talkative, enthusiastic and keen to discuss their project. I was also very impressed by the scientific rigour of their projects" said Mr. Jones, our secondary school principal.  It was inspiring to see how confidently and clearly the students explained their work, reflecting not just their understanding of the science, but their ownership of the learning process.

The Science Fair is a highlight of our Middle School calendar, and this year’s event truly reflected the creativity, perseverance, and collaborative spirit of our young scientists. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the excitement for learning they brought to this experience. Congratulations to all participants!