The District 16 science fair on May 31 was the culmination of several months’ work for the 18 schools that took part. In fact, it started with a workshop given by Devin Thomas and Jessica Harris, science teachers at Madiba Prep, MS 681, in Brooklyn, in December for all the science teachers in the district. “We did it to discuss the scientific method and ways to prepare the students,” said Harris, who is in her first year at the school. Once students were fully prepared, each school held its own competition, with the best projects from each grade advancing to the districtwide event. “Ms. Harris made science accessible and relatable to her students throughout the year,” Chapter Leader Jeremy McNeal said. “It was not rare to see students in other classes talking about the experiments they had undertaken in science class and how excited they were about completing group tasks in that class.” Students from Brooklyn Technical HS brought robotics projects to the event to allow the younger students to see what they could aim for. And the Bio Bus, a science lab on wheels, added to the fun. “The kids really enjoyed it,” Harris said. Many educators at the school volunteered their services, working in the cafeteria and the judges’ lounge or helping distribute gift bags to the students. McNeal said Harris made sure students were well-prepared before they began their projects. “It was important to her that students took note of all of the science that’s around them and how they are active, integral parts in the development of science,” he added. Harris said it was a labor of love. “I really enjoyed seeing the students working hard and, even though they had some challenges, following through and completing their projects. It gave them a sense of pride.”