From the left, Noah Wright, Trey Avey and Kyle Dawson standing in front of their project titled, “How Does Smell Affect Taste?”

WINONA LAKE — Jefferson Elementary School held a STEM Project fair to showcase sixth grade science projects on Tuesday, May 17.

The projects, which had been in the works for roughly two months ranged over a number of scientific questions. Students were encouraged to choose a hypothesis that interested them, and were allowed a great deal of freedom in the design and presentation of their projects.

“I’m elated,” said sixth grade Science Teacher, Angela Luecke. “I love seeing the kids passionate about science.” This is the second year that Jefferson has hosted this STEM Fair and it’s effects can be clearly seen in the students and the pride with which they present their experiment.

“It gets the kids interested in science classes they can take next year in Middle School,” Luecke continued.

“We believe in enriching the education of the students,” said Erin Shalley, a lab technician with Element Materials Technology, a local laboratory which has partnered with Jefferson in order to help make the fair possible.

At the very least, the students seem to be enjoying it. “We’ve had kids asking if we can do this twice a year,” Luecke stated.