Judges recognized three students from each grade level, plus a Best of Fair overall winner, at the conclusion of the event

Students at Jemtegaard Middle School presented hands-on team projects at the JMS Science Fair on June 6. Judges recognized three students from each grade level, plus a Best of Fair overall winner, at the conclusion of the event. 

First place winners Olivia Nichols and Charlene Foote (6th grade), Macey Babic and Brianna Deziel (7th grade), and Silas Ellsworth and Riley Rose (8th grade) celebrate district and community recognition for their innovative presentations. Hunter Monks, Ben Termini, Henry Timmons, Ethan Dowell, Stephen Fernandez-Ramirez, Ciaran Jay, Keagan Streeter, Lainey Hajek, Amberlin McBee, Kenzie Jones, Sicily Belvin, and Jean Frazer-Ross also placed in grade level categories. Maelynn O’Bryant, 8th grade student at Jemtegaard Middle School, won Best of Fair Overall.

Middle school student teams presented research projects ranging from physics to earth science. Students learned scientific investigation, creativity, leadership, and teamwork skills while preparing for the fair. 

“I love science and I just love doing this stuff. Making the projects was the most fun, but the second most fun part was presenting to people about our project during the science fair,” said Olivia Nichols, 6^th grade student at Jemtegaard Middle School.

Five dedicated science teachers at Jemtegaard Middle School guided 6-8th grade students as they conceptualized and created unique science fair projects. 

“The most inspiring part of the planning process for me has been watching the students engage in the scientific method and get excited about their experiments,” said Kaitlyn Huegli, science teacher at Jemtegaard Middle School. “It’s never too early or too late to start thinking like a scientist!”

The JMS Science Fair was made possible by the JMS Boosters and community support. A donation by United Precision Corporation, a leading aerospace manufacturer in the Port of Camas-Washougal industrial park, funded student prizes for the winning fair presentations. Supplies for the JMS Science Fair were generously donated by the Washougal Schools Foundation. 

“Students entering their projects in the fair are building more confidence and competence in a healthy competition with peers,” said Rona Ager, JMS Boosters Volunteer and Science Fair chair. “They are thinking critically, solving problems, learning time management and beefing up their communication skills.”

Science fair judges included members of the Washougal community, district leadership, and representatives from ESD 112. 

This event represents a culmination of scientific learning this school year. The JMS Science Fair is one example of hands-on, job-readiness education at Washougal School District. Community support enhances student-centered programs like the science fair for students in Washougal.  Washougal School District emphasizes opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge to solve real world problems.

Information provided by Washougal School District.