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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Howard Bishop Middle School showed off the talents of its students in a science-based event that encouraged problem-solving for the future.
Today, students at Howard Bishop Middle School traded their backpacks for lab coats, transforming into mini scientists with big ideas at the annual “ExplorAVision Future Fair.”
The event challenged middle schoolers to identify real-world problems and develop science solutions that could be implemented in 20 years.
“It’s exciting to see what they can accomplish with future technology,” said Tonya Camaratta, a teacher at the school.
Some of the creative solutions presented were proposals to tackle invasive pythons in the Everglades and the development of energy-generating roof tiles triggered by footsteps.
Jackie Kramer, a student participating for the second year, emphasized the enjoyment of doing the project.
“We all did it in class, but a lot of us went home and stayed up at night researching. It was really enjoyable, and we all learned a lot,” she said.
Kramer said that hands-on learning goes a long way.
“It really gets stuck in our memory, and it’s important to all of us,” she added.
This marks the seventh year of the event at Howard Bishop, and Camaratta expressed pride in watching her students grow each year.
“I’ve had multiple kids say, ‘This is what I want to do.’ What more can you want than that?” she said.
Students also reached out to real scientists for guidance. Celeste Perez-Thomas, a student, was happy to be a part of this experience.
“I feel like it’s extremely hands-on. Our science teacher provides a lot of learning, but this is a break to learn about the real world,” she said.
Howard Bishop Middle School is the only school in Alachua County doing this event.
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