Science Fair brings out creative side in kids

February 18, 2015 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Anthony Villamagna (second from left) drew a large crowd of students to his table at the St. Patrick Catholic Academy Science Fair. The excited youngsters couldn’t wait to touch the slime he studied as part of his project, titled “Is Slime a Liquid or a Solid?”

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The Science Fair at Saint Patrick Catholic Academy was postponed twice due to snowstorms. So when the fair finally took place on Feb. 5, the students were ready!

The young scientists were eager to share their findings with parents, classmates and judges during the fair, which took place in the academy’s Aldo Bruschi Auditorium at 401 97th St.

Students in grades 3 through 8 conducted experiments and explored a wide array of scientific topics, recording their findings on colorful poster boards.

Among the memorable projects: Eighth-grader Helen El-Achkar studied soil erosion, while her younger brother Michael of Grade 4 dazzled classmates with his project, titled “Balloon Magic.” Third-grader Andrew Radola studied surface tension for his project and had a blast being part of his first Science Fair.

“I love science,” he said.

Fifth-grader Michael Diaz studied electricity and created his own battery. His classmate, Anthony Villamagna, drew a large crowd of students who couldn’t wait to touch the gooey slime he created for his project called “Is Slime a Liquid or a Solid?”

The fair also gave visitors a glimpse at some of the most inventive scientific minds. Sixth-grader Jason Segarra created his very own hand, which he controlled by pulling strings linked to its fingers. Fourth-grader Michael Barba enjoyed simulating tornadoes for his project, which also drew crowds of interested spectators.

The Science Fair marked the official end of the annual Catholic Schools Week activities at St. Patrick, which this year included an Art Fair, a “True Blue Day” tribute to local police officers, a visit from Auxiliary Brooklyn Bishop Paul Sanchez and a “Decades Dress-Down Day” that gave students a chance to wear clothes inspired by past decades like the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.