Approximately 100 Albert Lea students in grades three through five participated in the local science fair on Feb. 4 at Southwest Middle School, according to a press release.

The fair had participating students from all four Albert Lea elementary schools and St. Theodore Catholic School. The new location for the science fair this year allowed educational entertainment for the participants.

Laura Cunningham from the Lakes Foundation of Albert Lea presented about keeping water clean. Also, the Albert Lea High School Robotics Club Catalyst Team 3633 presented about robotics and how that area of science can be advantageous for students’ futures.

Participants in the science fair began with a question and learn about the scientific method of answering their question.  Some questions that students studied this year are:

Is a plant’s growth affected by the type of water used?

What types of bread mold the fastest?

What kind of cup prevents ice from melting?

How to keep a falling egg from breaking?

Does age affect memory?

Albert Lea students are doing fascinating work.  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, Cargill, Minnesota Corrugated Box, Innovance, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Albert Lea Audubon Society, Security Bank, Albert Lea Eagles Club and Intellicents made the local fair possible.

Over 80 high school students and community members volunteered their time to judge the projects, making it a true a community project.