Written by: Dr. Christina Restrepo Nazar, Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction Specialist-STEAM
Science can often feel like a challenging field, especially when STEM education focuses more on memorization rather than hands-on discovery. However, in today’s ever-evolving technological world, it’s crucial to encourage all children to explore science and engineering. Every student brings unique perspectives that can lead to groundbreaking ideas. By fostering inclusive environments, we can help every student realize their potential and succeed.
2025 Science Consortium Event
In January 2025, I returned to K-12 education after being a university STEM researcher— as Curriculum & Instruction Specialist in STEAM at UCP of Central Florida. My first big task was organizing campus science fairs with the help of dedicated science and math teacher leads at each of the seven campuses that have any of our K-12 students. These fairs led to the second annual UCP consortium-wide science fair, which took place on March 13, 2025.
This year’s UCP science fair was a huge success, celebrating STEM education for all students. Over 50 families, along with teachers, administrators, and community members, attended the event. Students presented their creative projects with excitement, and Mad Science! activities made science engaging and fun. One student shared that they were “happy to love science” after the event, showcasing the joy and enthusiasm sparked by these hands-on experiences.
The science fair featured winners in each grade category (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12), with projects on topics like melting crayons, acidity of fruits, and the colors of Skittles. This event highlighted the ingenuity of our students and the tremendous support from teachers, families, and the community. Their encouragement created a space where every student could thrive, showing that all children have the potential to be the next great scientist or engineer.
We look forward to celebrating the third-annual UCP consortium-wide science fair in March 2026. Looking forward to learning from the ingenuity and creativity of our students!
Comentarios