In Our Communities: Rockland County News - May 2010

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Solar Power, Sharks, and Static Electricity

   Cornerstone Christian School's annual Science Fair, held February 23-25, saw participation from 70 percent of the school's eligible students who presented on a wide variety of topics, from solar power, to sharks, to static electricity. The Science Fair is a traditional event at the school coordinated by Mrs. Gallucci.

   Located in New City, CCS is a K-6 school with an enrollment of about 80 students, says Linda D'Amato, principal. Of those students, about 50 were eligible to participate in the Science Fair, and 36 chose to do so, with 10 team and 21 individual projects presented.

   All participants received a ribbon-blue, red, white, or yellow, based on the project's merit- and eight out of the 10 teams received trophies for outstanding work, including Sydney Wideman and Ianna Suarez, the only first grade team to ever receive this prestigious award.

   Perfect scores are rare, D'Amato says, but were awarded to two projects this year. The first was "Healthy Choices" by fourth graders Andrew Olsen and Nicholas Olano, which presented detailed, statistical research on the nutritional value of many food products and included an interactive element for the other students. The second perfect score went to third grader Bethany Moy, whose project, "States of Matter," explored gases, liquids, and solids.

   Projects were scored based on appearance, presentation, a written report, and the students' application of Scripture. "It's a way for students to demonstrate their knowledge," D'Amato says, "and explore how these topics tie back to their faith."