Ahilyn Loredo-Saldana, a student in the gifted program at Appomattox Elementary School, stands with her display at the school’s Science Fair. Image: Bonnie Tillotson/Contributed

“It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time,” “Going the Distance,” “Sweet Tooth Eggsperiment,” “Keep it Cool.”

These and many more intriguing science fair projects were undertaken by some inquiring minds at Appomattox Elementary School (AES)!

Over 80 AES students participated in the 12th annual 4-H/AES Science Fair on March 3. AES ALPS teacher Melanie Ranson started this project with her after-school club and expanded it to include all interested students.

These future scientists did much of their own research, asked essential questions, and worked to see whether their hypotheses were correct or not. Once their projects were complete, they were judged by a panel of 10 judges: Bonnie Tillotson, Bruce Jones (Appomattox Agricultural Agent); Nick Baldwin from James River State Park; Kaitlyn Savage from the Robert E Lee Soil & Water Conservation District; Hannah Tillotson-McDonald, STEM coordinator at the Jubilee Center; Joanne Jones, Charlotte County Agricultural Agent; Rick Butler, retired Appomattox County Forester; Josie Butler, retired Appomattox County teacher; Laquil Humbles, AES; and Savannah Hudson, 4-H Camp Teen Leader.

There’s more to this in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.