In the past few years the science curriculum has been expanded. Beyond the usual biological and physical sciences, the new curriculum includes topics related to environmentalism. We are realizing that the earth is our responsibility and its care should be a priority on our list of life purposes. The curriculum has been updated in these last few years in order to teach the concepts and practices of sustaining the health of the planet. Some of these concepts are not being incorporated into the 6th grade science fair projects. While students are learning the facts and the science in the classroom, they are also carrying this knowledge outside the school. Students are now choosing environmental issues to demonstrate in their 6th grade science fair projects. These demonstrations are developed from the core competencies that middle school children now have the opportunity to learn about in school.

The 6th grade science fair projects revolved around several issues related to good stewardship of the planet on which we live. Students are making projects and demonstration for the 6th grade science projects dealing with issues such as the wildlife in their home areas, the viability of healthy soil, water quality, and the air we breathe. Some of these 6th grade science fair projects are quite intricate in their presentations. Some students are spending months measuring and determining the effects of pollution on the health of wildlife from the smallest hydra to more developed creatures. Some students are spending months measuring the effects of spills and pollution on the quality or soil and water. Other students are participating in long-term studies of wildlife with local and state agencies. These are often cooperative efforts with wildlife management organizations where the students act as volunteers. All the data and results gathered from these extensive 6th grade science fair projects are then gathered, interpreted and presented at an annual event.

The 6th grade science fair projects are very practical ways for students to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom setting. It is also one of the most desired ways of deepening the understanding and comprehension of learning for students in all grades and in all subjects. These opportunities will stay with students throughout their lives as they experience the real world application of knowledge.