4th and 5th Graders Shine at Science Fair A fter two months of research and experiments, students from grades 4 and 5 unveiled their bright, accomplished and highly intelligent science projects to their peers, parents and community this past May. Winners were determined by highly esteemed scientists based on how accurately they followed the scientific method process. Congratulations to the following winners for their thought-provoking research and findings: 5th Grade 1st Place: Ben Kubo - “The Science of Keeping Your Cool” determined which material is best at keeping a juice pouch the coldest in a lunch box without using ice, by testing Styrofoam, cotton batting, wool, aluminum foil, neoprene and bubble wrap. 2nd Place: Maxwell Tramotin - “Slinky on a Slope” determined if the angle and surface type of an inclined plane matters when using a slinky.
A Day Just for Middle Schoolers Middle School Unity Day, held on April 17, was a day for middle school students to connect and bond with one another outside the classroom. The informative and memorable day began with a trip to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in Kailua-Kona, where the group learned about ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, explored tide pools, studied Hawaiian sea turtles and enjoyed a picnic lunch. In the afternoon students headed back to campus for more teambuilding adventures and games (including a superb water-gun fight) on the school soccer field. Mahalo to everyone who helped make this day special.
Na Mea Hou
3rd Place: Lukas Dommer - “Perpetual Motion” created energy in an area with limited resources through the use of a perpetual wheel with rubber bands and heat.
4th Grade 1st Place: Ellie Acosta - “Gummy Bear Soak” determined if gummy bears will change in size or shape when placed in acidic or non-acidic liquids. 2nd Place: Kouske Soler - “Recording the Growth of Basil Plants Under Different Watering Schedules” researched under which watering conditions basil plant seeds will grow largest, in order to determine if seed manufacturer recommendations are the best way of growing seeds. 3rd Place: Andrew Choi - “Does Music Affect Heart Rate” determined if a person’s heart rate changes when listening to different types of music. Factors were based on the increase or decrease in heart beats per minute while listening to hip hop, progressive house music and electric rock music.