Their teachers call them the “Stars of STEAM.”
They are the finalists of a fair devoted to science, technology, engineering, art and math that was held Dec. 4 at Miami Lakes K-8 Center.
The entire school was invited to create projects; participants came from third through eighth grades.
Students created presentation boards that spectators, including family members, could review.
“There was a great diversity of projects this year and amazing creativity,” said teacher Oscar
Badillo, who coordinated the fair with teacher
Milagros Alvarez.
Mathew Menard called his work “Fat Cheese,” and studied the melting rates of cheese used by gourmet chefs, the school said.
Wilson Olivo’s project, “Hurricane Surge,” analyzed the effects of wind surge upon oceanside homes.
Aidan Schwinghammer created a personal hovercraft and tested it on various surfaces for his creation, called “No Wheel Drive.”
Maia Ramos won first place with her project called “Ability of Social Networking to Improve Depression in Senior Citizens.”
Ramos analyzed depression among senior citizens before and after they were introduced to social media, and found going online relieved their symptoms.
Four finalists from the elementary grades and three finalists from the middle school will present their projects at a district competition to be held Feb. 8 at Miami Dade College’s North Campus.
Winners from that round of competition may move on to regional and state contests.
Miami Lakes K-8 Center is at 14250 NW 67th Ave.