Lakewood, Malden take top spots at Wild and Wonderful Water Science Fair

CHARLESTON, WV – Students from Lakewood and Malden elementaries were the big winners at the inaugural Wild and Wonderful Water Science Fair for Kanawha County fifth-graders and will be honored at their respective schools during ceremonies on Monday, February 24.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) Program and the City of Charleston’s Stormwater Program, the fair was conducted February 17 at the Advance Technology Center Toyota Hall in South Charleston. Two separate fifth-grade classes from Lakewood captured first- and second-place trophies, while Malden finished third. A panel of four judges evaluated 15 water science projects.

Under the direction of teacher Jodi Ballard, Lakewood’s winning project explored the variances in local tap and bottled water. Lakewood’s second-place finisher, under the guidance of teacher Jessica Blake, tested how plants would grow using liquids other than water for nourishment. And Malden’s third-place entry, under the efforts of teacher Tonya Harper, focused on water quality issues in Morris Creek, a tributary of the Kanawha River.

The winning project will receive $250, with students earning individual medals. Second place is worth $150 and third place $100. Lakewood’s two winning classes will be recognized during a ceremony at 1:15 p.m. on February 24 at the school. Malden will be honored at 8:45 a.m. on the same day at its school.

“We felt like the science fair was a tremendous success,” said Lee Ann Grogg, from the City of Charleston’s Stormwater Program. “Teachers were able to incorporate science into their classrooms in a fun way, while at the same time promote team-building.

“Students also learned about science-related careers, gained valuable public-speaking experience and demonstrated the importance of water to the world.

“We would especially like to thank our judges, sponsors and partners for their dedication and support, as well at the Advance Technology Center for hosting this year’s fair.”

Additional sponsors for the fair included: West Virginia American Water, Antero Resources, DuPont, Waste Management and City National Bank.

Science fair partners included: the West Virginia State University Extension Service; the National Park Service; the West Virginia Youth Environmental Program; and the West Virginia divisions of Forestry and Natural Resources.