The 2017 Science Fair at Columbia Elementary School spurred students to investigate and explore. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – During Columbia Elementary School’s 2017 Science Fair, fifth- and sixth-graders questioned scenarios in the physical and chemical world to arrive at their own conclusions.

The science fair encouraged students “to display their knowledge about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math),” Lisa Grice said. Grice and Laura Roberson, who teach fifth-graders, and sixth-grade teacher Charles Sturdivant coordinated the event for 2017.

“This year, we had over 60 students that competed in the fair. (Projects) covered many categories, including Engineering, Physical Science, Environmental, Social and Behavioral Science and many more,” Grice said. “It is exciting to see the creative minds of our students displayed through their projects each year.”

For fifth grade, Will Bagwell earned “Best of Show” with his project, “Does the most expensive device for reducing phantom power do the best job?”

Top place winners in fifth grade were Dan Ayala-Diaz, first place; Evan Denney, Dylan Lingo, Alexander Woo-Travis and Ian McMillian in a tie for second place; and Isaac Pollard and Zachary Lavenant in a tie for third.

Columbia fifth-graders receiving Honorable Mentions were Elena Brough, Josh Bryce, Carter Gjesvold, Hope Lancaster, Jenna Post, Neil Sethi, Pranaav Satheesh and Logan Thomason.

For the sixth grade, Shreya Sunil earned the “Best of Show.” Shreya’s project was named “What materials can block a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) signal from distance, and does the size of the material matter?”

Other honors for sixth grade went to Neha Chopade, first; Soorya Ramesh, second; and Puja Chopade, third. Honorable mention winners were Neha Singhal, Pranav Ramesh and Makai Lyon.

Columbia students who have advanced to compete in the annual North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair are Will Bagwell, Neha Chopade, Puja Chopade, Evan Denney, Dan Ayala-Diaz, Carter Gjesvold, Zachary Lavenant, Dylan Lingo, Makai Lyon, Ian McMillian, Isaac Pollard, Pranav Ramesh, Soorya Ramesh, Pranav Satheesh, Neil Sethi, Naha Singhal, Shreya Sunil, Logan Thomason and Alexander Woo-Travis.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville will host the regional science fair.