CLARKS SUMMIT — Creativity and curiosity were on full display in the gymnasium of the Newton Ransom Elementary School on Monday evening.

The school’s second annual science fair attracted 116 participants in grades kindergarten through fourth.

From a homemade hovercraft to a steam-powered rocket boat, the students used their knowledge and imagination to create various types of projects.

“Until last year, we were the only elementary school in the district that didn’t have a science fair,” co-chair Tammy Williams said. “(Former Principal) Bob Bugno asked the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to start it up and we made it into a family night for everyone. It went really well. I think both the kids and their parents learned a lot. It’s a cooperative process, they learn together and have fun together.

“We have about 13 faculty and staff members helping out at the fair, which is really nice, and parents fill in the rest of the spots.”

Fourth-grader Ryanna Avvisato and her sister, Julia, a kindergarten student, focused their project on energy conservation and LED technology in the home. Their experiment showed how many watts of energy is used by different types of light bulbs. They also explained the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy, and gave tips for energy savings.

Fourth-graders Mark Lynott and Kohen Stiles constructed a homemade hovercraft using plywood, a leaf blower, pipe insulation, a mattress cover, tape and chair.

Third-grade student Ava Romanaskas described the benefits of drinking water as opposed to sugary beverages in her project “Rethink Your Drink.”

Christine McAndrew, a third grade teacher and faculty liaison of the fair, has been pleased with the students’ ability to utilize information learned in daily lessons in their various projects.

“The students take ideas they learn in the classroom and use them in their projects,” McAndrew said. “They really seem to love everything that deals with science. They start asking about the fair as soon as school starts in the fall, I think that’s a sign they are excited to participate. They are so very proud of their projects are are willing to share what they’ve learned.”

According to Williams, many students have improved the aesthetic look of their projects since last year’s fair.

“The kids have learned how to the better display and present their projects and their excitement level is still pretty high,” Williams said. “They get to pick whichever subject matter interests and excites them. Through the fair, they learn science can be fun.”

The students also took part in a scavenger hunt and were given an invisible ink pen and writing pad upon completion.

According to Williams, the students have a month to work on their projects before bringing them to the fair and each child received a certificate and ribbon for participating.

From left, fourth grader Ryanna Avvisato and kindergartner Julia Avvisato did a project on energy conservation for the Newton Ransom Elementary Science Fair.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ABJ-Science-Fair-1.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, fourth grader Ryanna Avvisato and kindergartner Julia Avvisato did a project on energy conservation for the Newton Ransom Elementary Science Fair. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

From left, fourth-grade students Mark Lynott and Kohen Stiles created a homemade hovercraft for the Newton Ransom Elementary Science Fair.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ABJ-Science-Fair-2.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, fourth-grade students Mark Lynott and Kohen Stiles created a homemade hovercraft for the Newton Ransom Elementary Science Fair. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Third grader Ava Romanaskas’ project ‘Rethink Your Drink’ displayed the amount of sugar in different types of refreshments and explained why water is the best choice during the Newton Ransom Elementary Science Fair.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ABJ-Science-Fair-3.jpg.optimal.jpgThird grader Ava Romanaskas’ project ‘Rethink Your Drink’ displayed the amount of sugar in different types of refreshments and explained why water is the best choice during the Newton Ransom Elementary Science Fair. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

The Newton Ransom Elementary Science Fair featured a science-themed snack station with Rings of Saturn (Fruit Loops).
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ABJ-Science-Fair-4.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Newton Ransom Elementary Science Fair featured a science-themed snack station with Rings of Saturn (Fruit Loops). Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal
Newton Ransom Elementary holds second annual science fair

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.