Over 100 Albert Lea students in grades 3 to 6 participated in the local science fair on Feb. 21 at Northbridge Mall. The fair had participating students from all four Albert Lea elementary schools, Southwest Middle School and St. Theodore Catholic School. Students began with a question and learned about the scientific method of answering their question. Some questions that students studied this year are:

• Will a wind generator produce more electricity by spinning faster?

• Does corn grow faster with different liquids?

• What food do turtles prefer?

• Do birds in my yard prefer white or black seeds?

• Is a random number truly random?

• Which foods will digest the fastest in stomach acid?

All participants have the opportunity to take their projects to the regional science fair in Mankato. The support of local businesses and organizations such as Alpha Orthodontics, Mrs. Gerry’s, Minnesota Corrugated Box, Innovance, Mayo Clinic Health System and the Corn and Soybean Growers’ Association make the local fair possible.