RCA holds 3rd annual Science Day

Rhea County Academy held its third annual Science Day on Friday, April 21.  All students were actively involved in the day’s events.

Students in middle and high school participated in a science fair where they presented the results of experiments conducted, inventions built or research of current information.  Presentation boards of 44 projects were on display in the school auditorium. 

Students in grades 5- 9 used the scientific method to experiment and answer an array of questions ranging from “Do Fish Have a Preference – red worms, night crawlers, chicken livers?”, “Does a solar oven cook food?” to “Does a Chicken Feeder Save Food?”   Each presentation included a detailed account of the project beginning with the question and hypothesis being tested, charts and graphs showing results, and the conclusion along with the student’s reflections of how to improve the experiment.

Sophomores presented their research findings on topics as varied as anorexia nervosa, measuring wind speed and autism.  

Educators with The Creative Discovery Museum of Chattanooga brought their mobile classroom to the school.  Students in K4 through 6^th grade visited the bus where they were challenged with grade-appropriate forensic detective tasks.  Numerous hands-on activities allowed students to answer “Who Done It?” questions.   Elementary students were encouraged to use scientific skills of observing, questioning and eliminating in order to solve problems.    

In addition, elementary students watched high schoolers demonstrate chemical reactions, electrical circuits and car rockets.

Core Academy of Science partnered with the school in providing funding for the visit by the Creative Discovery Museum bus and prizes for science fair winners.  Core Academy also provided a fully-equipped mobile science cart for use by the school. Dr. Todd Wood, President of Core Academy said the science organization wants students to experience hands-on science and to understand how scientists acquire knowledge.

Rhea County Academy science teacher, Stephanie Wood was the coordinator for the day’s events.  When discussing the importance of middle and school and high science activities, Wood said, “I want the students to learn to practice critical thinking.  I want them to have the skills to evaluate results of science experiments, media claims or any information around them.” 

Science Fair division winners and sponsors – left to right – Dr. Todd Wood, President of Core Academy of Science, David Moretz ( 2^nd place), Destiny Cogdill (2^nd place), Abe Lorensen (1^st place), Rachael Hostetler (1^st place), Stephanie Wood, RCA teacher and Lilly Tucker (grand prize).