Location & Date:
VDV Gymnasium April 16, 2026
Deadline to register is Thursday, April 9, 2026
Get ready to be creative and start planning your science fair project. Please sign up to participate in the noncompetitive Helen Doherty Science Fair using the link above. Students will be invited to complete a science project at home and bring it in to display during our science fair on April 16, 2026.
Parent Scientists, Engineers, and Designers: If you work in the science, engineering, or design industry and would like to volunteer on April 16th to speak with our junior scientists, please reach out to Amanda, Nancy, or Jennifer at aduckworth@somervilleschools.org, nkishbaugh@somervilleschools.org, or jmitchell@somervilleschools.org
ATTENTION VAN DERVEER STUDENTS AND FAMILIES!
We are excited to extend the invitation for you to participate in the Helen Doherty Science Fair. This is an excellent opportunity to explore a science topic that interests you.
The Helen Doherty Science Fair is non-competitive. Each participant is awarded a ribbon and a certificate of participation. You may complete a scientific model, experiment, or an engineering design prototype. For example, a scientific model would be a diorama of the water cycle or an orbiting solar system. A scientific experiment would be growing plants with light and without light and then comparing the results. An engineering design prototype would be building a prosthetic hand to pick up objects using popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Here are some links of easy-to-do science experiments at home: http://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/ , https://sciencebob.com/category/experiments/ , https://kidactivities.net/kids-science-experiments/.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE HELEN DOHERTY SCIENCE FAIR?
Click the link at the top or bottom of this document to sign up on the attached Google Form. On this Google Form, you and your parent/guardian will be asked to submit information about your project and for permission to participate. Projects WILL be brought to school on the morning of April 16, 2026. Projects will be dropped off through the parking lot doors of the gymnasium before school. The projects will be displayed for guest scientists and engineers to observe and discuss with participants. The projects will also be viewed during the school day by all students and staff. Projects will be brought home at the conclusion of the science fair at 6:00pm.
WHAT ROLE SHOULD FAMILIES PLAY?
Families may work on a project together provided the majority of the work is completed by you, the student. This is a perfect opportunity to work together as a family while developing the love for science! Families and students are invited to return to school from 4:00pm-6:00pm to demonstrate their project in action.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
** Do not undertake an experiment that is dangerous to you and others. Do not work with dangerous chemicals, open flames, or any animals. Please make sure the content is school-appropriate.