Montebello Unified Science Fair Projects Explore Outer Space, a Decomposing Apple and Electricity

MONTEBELLO – Nearly 30 fifth-graders explored outer space, heart health, decomposition and the power of electricity during Montebello Unified’s second annual Science Fair – an event that combined science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum and California Standards with fun.

The fair featured a competition among fifth-graders from 17 schools and an exhibition of projects by 24 students in grades six through 12. The top three fifth-grade projects received gold, silver and bronze medals.

“Yuck! What Happened to My Apple?” a project on decomposition submitted by fifth-grader Adrian Murguia of Montebello Gardens Elementary was among the creative entries to highlight student creativity and their knowledge of the world around them.

The project helped Murguia tie for third place with Rosewood Park student Kyra Yukihara Guerrero, whose project was titled “Testing Conductivity.”

“I am so impressed by the creative science projects our students developed,” Board of Education President Benjamin Cárdenas said. “I am very pleased that our students have the opportunity to be excited about science and have pride in their learning through projects that test their skills and creativity.”

A health-conscious Rebecca Fernandez of Wilcox Elementary asked “Does Caffeine Affect Heart Rate?” to tie for second place with “Electric Battle” by Thomas Morales and Henry Abrego of Greenwood Elementary.

First place went to Bell Gardens Elementary students Daniel Noriega, Xol De La Rosa, Dayana Cruz, Maya Alleyne and Kevin Nieves, who explored outer space to create “Amazing Gravity Proves 9th Planet.”

“This event highlights what is special about Montebello Unified,” MUSD Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith said. “It shows what kind of kids we have and the great work they do in developing these creative projects.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

SCIENCEFAIR1: Montebello Unified’s second annual Science Fair featured a competition among fifth-graders from 17 schools and an exhibition of projects by 24 students in grades six through 12. The top three fifth-grade projects received gold, silver and bronze medals.

SCIENCEFAIR2: Montebello Unified’s Science Fair first-place medals went to Bell Gardens Elementary students, who explored outer space to create “Amazing Gravity Proves 9th Planet.”