Harmony Charter students share science project creations

More than 500 Harmony School of Excellence students displayed homemade projects Jan. 21 at the school's sixth annual science fair.

Students in fourth through eighth grades competed in the event by entering projects under categories such as life science, chemistry, physics and computers. In a school-wide effort, the students worked with several departments to prepare their projects for the panel of 50 judges with science backgrounds.

"[The fair] helps [students] look at and explore the world around them in a different way, rather than them focus just on textbook work," said Virginia Arens, Harmony science teacher. "It's also a chance for them to see real scientists of all ages, so they know they're real people."

Additionally, preparing for the event helps students learn better communication skills, said Patricia Davis, Harmony science teacher.

"The science fair gives them the opportunity to practice written and oral skills with the judges so they do get that real world experience," she said.

State Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston, spoke to the students prior to the awards ceremony to congratulate them on their efforts.

"It's always exciting to see what the students are doing and achieving," he said. "I want to encourage you to follow your dreams, because math and science really do make the world go round."