Third- through sixth-graders from Albert Lea Area Schools will showcase their creativity and science skills on Saturday at Northbridge Mall.

The district science fair kicks off with judging at 9 a.m. Projects are open for viewing from the public from 11 a.m. to noon.

Sixth-grade science teacher Erin Johnson, who is also the district science fair coordinator, said 175 children will be participating. The students complete the projects outside of school.

In addition to learning about the scientific method, the students learn how to better manage their time, present about something they have learned and meet goals, Johnson said.

“I think this will be a great experience for them,” she said.

Three judges will look at each project and hear presentations from the students. There are more than 90 volunteer judges, she said.

After tabulating the scores, the judges will award the participants either a red ribbon, blue ribbon or trophy.

“What strikes me every year about it,” Johnson said, “is that it is a community event.”

She said many groups have donated to the science fair and volunteers help through multiple service organizations, including Kiwanis and the Audubon Society. Some of the high school students have even asked to be judges.

Students may advance to the regional science fair in Mankato, learning from recommendations at their school fairs.