Hundreds of science projects filled the rooms of the FES Hall March 13-15 as students in kindergarten through eighth grade participated in the 29th Annual Science Fair for the Oakdale Joint Unified School District.

There were 11 elementary class projects, while the rest were individual or group projects. For junior high entries, there were scores of eighth grade projects and a handful of seventh grade projects. District Science Fair coordinator Brenda Kindred explained that some teachers require participation in the science fair while others make it optional.

All science projects required five specific elements of the scientific method, including problem, hypothesis, procedure, results, and conclusion. Also required with each project was a handwritten science notebook, and a display board.

Members of the community, as well as site administrators and district office personnel served as judges for the science fair projects. The science fair was open daily, allowing many classes throughout the district to take walking field trips to visit the science fair, as well as being open to members of the public. There was also a Student Scientist Evening on March 14 where science fair exhibitors had the option of attending to discuss their science projects with science fair attendees. Those student presenters were also entered into drawings for various science prizes.

Fellow science fair coordinator Kathy Jenkins reported that approximately 10 to 15 science projects per school site will advance to the county’s science fair May 14-18 at the Martin Petersen Event Center, Modesto.

A science fair awards ceremony will be at Magnolia auditorium on Wednesday, March 21 where numerous community, school district, and other special awards will be presented to students with outstanding science fair projects.