7th Grade Science Fair

Tons of paperwork, backboards, graphs, and presentations! Yes, it's that thing called Science Fair. Science Fair has always been an important part of the curriculum in the science department of Jenkins Middle School. Students over the past ten years have been learning how to use the scientific method to prove all kinds of hypotheses.

The burning question in the hearts of many seventh grade students is, will it be a requirement or an option if a student participates.

Seventh grader Devry Craig said, "I like it not being a requirement. No, I'm not going to participate."
Amanda Leary, a seventh grader at JMS believes that it should be a requirement. "I think everyone should have the experience of doing a project," she said.

Teachers' and parents' opinions appear to be just as diverse as the students. Those who are in favor of science fair believed it requires students to have to think on their feet when they are interviewed by judges. They also believe science fair gives a chance for students to compete on various levels in the academic arena. Competition can give real world experience.

Tori Champion stated, "I think it should be a requirement because it is a really good learning project."
Jenna Harris agrees with Champion saying "I think it gives you a chance to compete."

According to Micha Atkinson "It expresses the potential of young minds, so I am goingto do a project this year."

Opponents to science fair tend to differ in opinion. Many believe that students who are made to compete do so only to fulfill the grade requirement. Some believed that a student does not complete the project rather a parent does.

"I think Science Fair can be good and bad. It can be a really good thing because students can learn a lot of information. But, on the other hand, they could have had say their parent do it which isn't doing anything good for them," said high school teacher Beverly Baird.

To compete or not to compete will always be a lingering question in the minds of seventh graders.