Science, Sparks, and Student Innovation: the Inagural Primary School Science fair

The buzz in the room was elating,” Mr. Joe Fambro, the Director of Innovation at Atlanta International School cited on January 29th, 2026. This evening was more than a casual AIS get-together with pizza and drinks, the AIS auditorium glittered with 50 students, their respective projects, judges, and supporting spectators from across the community. This long-awaited event, was the very first Primary School Science Fair, creating a space for young students to explore their passion for science through their own inquiries.

Throughout the night, as pizza disappeared and supportive spectators from all across the AIS community spilled into the auditorium, the widespread joy from across the community was thoroughly evident. This joy and cultivating excitement was further echoed by 1st grader and participant Ella Kip, who shared, “ I liked coming up with the idea for my experiment and seeing all the other experiments. I’m excited to do it again next year.” This event though, could not have happened without the  thriving AIS STEM organisation whose early mission was cited by Grade 3, german student, Corinne Stogstad, “to create a space where creative young minds could showcase their work.” Corinne cited the joy throughout the primary student body at the idea of a space to explore their own innovations through a creation of a science fair at school.

Her quote, “Many students were new to the whole idea of a Science Fair, but also excited and eager to learn, share, and participate in the Science Fair,” followed by, “I thought it was very fun, and you should definitely join next year” demonstrated her own happiness to invite anybody else to join later along with the happiness, excitement and vigor the primary school students took to this science fair. 

During the event one could view a wide diversity of projects, ranging from SPF testing to an automated floor cleaner. These impressive projects are truly a testament to AIS and our values of creativity and ambition. Each competitor curated a trifold display, demonstrating their knowledged and learning of the scientific method, a scientific investigation, or explaining a scientific process. Some students chose to investigate a question using the scientific method, while others designed their own gadgets to solve a problem. Regardless of the project or method used, every student showcased their learning and love for science.

Towards the end of the fair, where each student was awarded their own personalised certificate one could see the deep impact  this science fair had throughout the community. As it thoroughly and effectively supplied excitement and experience towards STEM activities, along with the opportunity to encourage young thinkers to discover their own voice, it helped make steps towards larger scientific and technological innovation these students can take forth. The supplying of a truly supportive and professional environment that provided an unforgettable experience for all those involved, as well as an immense excitement for all the possibilities of next year’s science fair endeavors!