Science fairs may provide solutions
Kids and science. It’s a fantastic combination. Usually, I’m talking about when science is about kids or for kids, but today I’m talking about when the kids are doing the science.
When we think about the future of pediatric medicine, we should remember that children are not just the recipients of scientific advances. They will be the ones leading the charge of discovery and innovation in the not-sodistant future.
In 20 years, one of those third-graders could become the scientist that makes a discovery that changes outcomes for the next generation. That fifth-grader could become the oncologist who diagnoses my family member. Or maybe they’ll just grow up with a love for science and the natural world and understanding of the scientific method — and become a science writer.
I’m convinced that understanding the scientific method is one of the keys to success in life. For anyone who needs a refresher, the steps are generally: have a question; develop a hypothesis (best-guess answer) to the question; figure out a way to test your hypothesis; do the test; consider your results; and repeat.
Every good experiment or study leads to more questions. Both in science and in life, this approach can take you far.
Recently, I had the opportunity to be a “listener” for an elementary school science celebration. About 90 children from kindergarten to fifth grade assembled (in shifts, because of COVID) to present their projects.
I was so impressed by the diversity in the projects, the enthusiasm of the students and the application of the scientific method.
There were the expected projects (baking soda volcanoes and lemon batteries), and they were very well done. The engineering expertise shown by the fourth-grader who handled troubleshooting his lemon battery while talking us through the experiment was impressive!
A significant number of projects focused on medicine and health-related science. One of the highlights of my experience was listening to a secondgrader explain eye color genetics using a Punnett square. I was so proud of this child I’d just met — I’ve tutored college students who couldn’t explain it so well.
There were also hand-washing studies and others that hinted at the impact of childhood during a global pandemic might have on the interest of these budding scientists. One showed that fist bumping still spreads a surprising number of germs.
These children hopefully learned that science is hard work, and it is also fun and rewarding. I hope they left the gymnasium-turned-science symposium thinking about what their project could be next year. I know I am excited to see what they come up with.
My personal celebration of science fairs is continuing as I write this, with a handful of District Science Day projects in my inbox awaiting my review. I can’t wait to see what these high schoolers have done.
Abbie Roth is managing editor of Pediatrics Nationwide and Science Communication at Nationwide Children's Hospital.abbie.roth@nationwidechildrens.org
A significant number of projects focused on medicine and health-related science.