Joy of Learning on Display at Dallin Student Science Expo

It gets me every time . . . every year when I’m in the gym with the Student Science Expo in full swing and I see so many students showing off their curiosity and knowledge to our whole Dallin community, . . . I get a little teary-eyed. The room is packed with science and engineering projects (56 this year!) and students (almost 100 this year!) beaming with pride as they explain their projects to families, classmates, teachers and staff. The joy of learning and discovery is on full display. 

Every year I continue to be so impressed with the wide variety of questions the students pose. This year we had topics ranging from the brain to batteries to gummy bears. (HERE is a full list of the projects and participants.) You can see the growth in critical thinking and communication skills progressing from the kindergarteners to the 5th graders. The students really shine, and it’s all about curiosity, creativity, learning and sometimes teamwork!. No awards, no prizes, just sharing with the community. 

Of course this “magic” wouldn’t happen without the hard work of the parents and other caregivers behind the scenes. Thank you all for both supporting the kids and also letting them take the lead on the projects and displays. I know that can sometimes be hard, especially for some of the scientists in the crowd when your kid refuses to replicate the experiment or add a control - but remember it’s OK because right now it’s just about the fun of discovering something “new”. 

Our family is “graduating” from Dallin after nine years and while I will certainly miss helping run the Science Expo, I know it’s in good hands with the STEAM Team. A successful Student Science Expo relies on many helping hands. Thank you to the Dallin teachers for allowing 5th graders to come talk to their classes and for giving their students a chance to share their posters in class. And big shout outs to our custodian Mr. Viveiros, Mrs Burns in the front office, Assistant Principal Mrs Karustis, and 5th grade teacher Mrs Kulshrestha for extra help with logistics and student support. Lastly, thanks to the STEAM Team parents who helped out, especially my Expo co-lead Sunita Patel Hett.

-Tracy Callahan

STEAM Team co-lead