What kind of road salt keeps water from freezing best: calcium chloride or sodium chloride? How does the amount of yeast affect the thickness of a pizza crust? How does the temperature of a puck affect the distance it travels? A balloon will pop when it is pressed against a single nail. Why doesn’t it pop when it is pressed against a large group of nails?

This represents just a few of the questions posed by young scientists at The Grosse Pointe Academy during the third annual Grade 4/5 Science Fair. The project, which began in January when students formulated their questions and hypotheses, culminated in an evening event on March 14 when parents had the opportunity to view the display boards in the performing arts wing corridor and library while students were on hand to explain their methods and procedures.

4/5 teachers Vivek Nayak and Bob Lapadot led the project during science classes. They began by teaching the scientific method (stating the problem, forming a hypothesis, identifying and controlling the variables, listing the materials and procedures, recording observations, and forming a conclusion). Work for the projects was completed both at home and at school.

Middle school science teachers Michael Fultz, Wendy Jewett and Michelle Roberts, along with retired science and math teacher Mac Jones, judged the projects, awarding certificates of outstanding achievement to the top projects in each grade. Certificates were awarded to (top photo, from left) fourth graders Joseph Cavataio, Michael Schaller, George Spica, Jared Brush and R.J. McCarren; and (bottom photo, from left) fifth graders Michael Blake, Luiza Wasilewski, and Karstan Minanov. Not pictured is fifth grade award winner Robbie Triano.