Over 110 Albert Lea students in third through fifth grade participated in the local science fair Feb. 20 at Northbridge Mall.

The fair had participating students from all four Albert Lea elementary schools and St. Theodore Catholic School. Students begin with a question and learn about the scientific method of answering their question.

Examples of questions that students studied this year included: How does sound travel through different materials? Does sugar water grow grass better than regular water? Which battery has the longest life? How many objects can people remember? Which materials make static electricity?

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, Alliance Benefit Group Financial Services Corp., Minnesota Corrugated Box, Innovance, Mayo Clinic Health System, Albert Lea Audubon Society, Farmers State Bank, the Rotary Club and Northbridge Mall helped make the local fair possible. Over 60 high school students and community members volunteered their time to judge the projects as well.