Residents have been invited to Francis Patton School to “explore, experiment and discover” at a students’ Science Fair tomorrow.

Pupils of the junior pod of the parish primary school will present ideas and celebrate discoveries before respected island science leaders and community partners, who will serve as judges.

Crystal Richardson, the school’s junior pod leader, said: “Students will demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and real-world application of their learning through a wide range of scientific investigations.

“Their experiments include testing fabric flammability, examining bacterial growth, measuring the effects of music on heart rate, analysing fruit acidity, investigating acids in household cleaners, exploring sound pitch — including that of dogs — studying the influence of social media, and researching shark behaviour and hunting patterns.

“Through authentic scientific inquiry, students will think independently, analyse evidence and communicate their findings with confidence and creativity.”

In addition to the junior pod fair displays, the Science Fair will showcase a vertical garden created by the school’s intermediate pod.

Ms Richardson said students had immersed themselves in “real-world scientific investigations, conducting experiments, recording and analysing data, troubleshooting challenges and refining their conclusions”.

She added: “They have transformed their research into structured presentations that highlight both their scientific reasoning and their creativity.”

Through the synergy of junior pod teachers, students worked on their science projects in other subjects such as mathematics and English.

Tonetta Spring, a junior pod science teacher, said: “This opportunity afforded students a chance to put into practice other Cambridge Curriculum standards.

“Students’ learning and engagement became interdisciplinary rather than just done in isolation by subject area.”

Brendal Santucci, the science team leader, added: “Our intermediate pod, as part of our school transformation journey, decided to utilise the Engineering in Elementary kits.

“This resource was designed to inspire the next generation of innovators by immersing students in hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics experiences from an early age.

“Its work focuses on developing classroom-ready engineering and Stem programmes for students in pre-K all the way through 8th grade, aligning lessons with academic standards and real-world applications.

“Their vertical garden, which was led by Ms Spring along with respective classroom teachers, was grown inside their classrooms over the span of time.”

There are 48 students from years 6, 7, and 8 participating, ranging in age from 10 to 12 years old, while in the intermediate pod, which is years 3 to 5, ages range from 6 to 9 years.

Ms Spring said students were developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that “textbooks alone cannot teach”.

She added: “They are learning how to ask meaningful questions, design experiments, analyse real data and defend their conclusions with confidence in co-operative groups or as an individual presenter.

“They strengthen research capabilities, time management and public speaking skills that are utilised across all subject areas.”

The Science Fair is open to all and takes place tomorrow from 9am to midday in the assembly hall at Francis Patton School.