The students are small but the brains are big at the Elementary Science Showcase.
Every year, PCPS fourth- and fifth-grade students come together at the Showcase to present their science projects and discuss findings with peers from other schools. This year's event was held last week at the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland.
The elementary showcase coincides with the Polk Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF), which features the work of local middle and high school students. The younger kids at the Science Showcase have an opportunity to see the work of older students at PRSEF; the winners from PRSEF move on to compete at the state level.
Jeff Hancock, PCPS' senior director of K-12 science, said he was highly impressed by the students at the elementary showcase this year.
“By far it was the best projects I've seen in the five years I have been in this position,” he said. “The kids and adults at the show were enthralled by the presentations. More importantly, I think everyone learned something new while having fun.”
