RANKIN INLET - Young students at Leo Ussak Elementary School in Rankin Inlet had the chance to show their scientific side this past month when the school hosted its own science fair.

Silas Gordon, Lexi Okpatauyak, Tyra Irkootee and Nicole Outchikat, clockwise from left, enjoy one of the top projects at the Leo Ussak Elementary School Science Fair in Rankin Inlet this past month. - photo courtesy of Noah Tiktak

It was the second year in a row the elementary school has held the fair, which staff members hope will help prepare their students for the bigger fairs that await them in their academic future.

Teacher Amanda McLarty said the fair has become quite popular with the students since it was brought back from hiatus this past year.

She said the kids get excited about the whole process surrounding the event, especially when the big day arrives for them to strut their stuff for parents and friends.

"Their excitement really builds on the day of the fair because they go to the high school and see the senior projects are laid out much the same as their own," said McLarty.

"They enjoy seeing the high school kids around, checking out their projects and then coming back to our school and showcasing their work.

"They're thrilled to see their parents and all these other people coming into the school to see their projects."

McLarty said the elementary students get a lot of enjoyment out of doing the experiments, and put in a great deal of effort to understand the science behind their work.

She said they enjoy being able to explain their projects.

"You can see the pride in their faces when they know what they're talking about and can explain why the science is working.

"Delores Kent's Grade 4 class won for best presentation because the students could explain why their electrical circuits would, and would not, work.

"When they were questioned about their project, they were able to totally explain the entire system and how the closed and open circuits functioned.

"All our teachers are really good in taking the time to explain the science behind why things are happening in their experiments.

"The fair has become very popular and we're looking forward to making it even bigger next year."