Coral Harbour (Apr 09/03) - The study of how and why is alive and well at Sakku school in Coral Harbour if the interest in science is any indication, says technology teacher Elroy Grandy.

The entire school was involved in this year's science fair in Coral, with students in kindergarten through Grade 12 producing projects on a wide variety of concepts.

Topics covered included looking for acids and acid rain, a study of the most polluted part of town, separating hydrogen from water and loads that various bridge types can support.

Grade 1 students learned about snow, Grade 3 students learned about things that float and Grade 6 students learned how to make goo.

Grandy says most students used the computer lab to write up their experiments and prepare their backboards.

He says the students really caught the science bug leading up to this year's fair -- once they received a little nudge along the way from Sakku staff.

"We made a conscious effort, as a staff, to include every single class," says Grandy.

"We insisted the students participate in the science fair and didn't give them the option to opt out.

"We almost made it mandatory, in a way.

More than 30 projects were judged at the March 24 event, involving almost 70 students.

First place went to Grade 8 students Benice Alogut and Joanne Nakoolak for their project, Eye Can See You!

The two investigated the difference between animals with eyes on the front of their face, versus those with eyes on the side.

Second place went to Grade 8 students Matthew Netser and Simon Kolit for their study of Pingos.

Grandy says the Sakku staff goes to great lengths to ensure the fair doesn't get too competitive among the students.

He says teachers want the students to get involved with the fair without feeling like they have to win.

"We try to make every student who participates feel like they were a winner in one way or another.

"We invite the community to come in every year and view the students' efforts in the school gym and we do get a fair turnout.

"The science fair is an enjoyable experience for most of our students, as well as a learning exercise."