On April 18, the middle school cafeteria was bustling with aspiring scientists and their parents, teachers, and staff, community members, and guest scientists. Some guest scientists included students from NYU Tandon School of Engineering, teachers from Riverdale Avenue Middle School, and MS 8 alumni. The middle schoolers had been working on their projects for months now, and were excited, to say the least, about presenting their boards to anyone who was willing to listen. Several lower school students also participated to showcase their scientific work. The science teachers of the middle school and the PTA were almost as excited as the students, if not more.
Lined up on the far wall were stations to teach young minds about simple scientific concepts. Among these were the slime station, candy deoxyribonucleic acid models, and the CCM station, all manned by enthusiastic 7th and 8th grade volunteers. The fair had visitors from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, who taught students and parents alike how to make chamomile and peppermint tea bags. Mathnasium was present, and also provided free protractors to anyone who completed a series of challenging problems. Staff from VR Bar had brought equipment including virtual reality headsets and a projector and were playing games such as office simulator with students in the far corner of the cafeteria. The 8th grade graduation team set up a bake sale filled with snacks and treats for all.
Boards were lined up in rows on the cafeteria tables stretching from one end to the other. Students proudly presented their work to inquisitive parents and guest scientists and received shiny red ribbons from the scientists. MS8 young scientists walked away with a great sense of pride.
Click for more photos from the event on PS8 PTA’s Facebook page.
By Claudia F. and Nadra A., Class 801A