Ruby Howell
Pratt Tribune
On Feb. 19, 2021, several Pratt middle school students competed at the Wichita Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The team ended up with four students qualifying for the State competition. Lu Bitter, the Elementary Science Coordinator for USD 382 coaches students every year, most of whom have been preparing their presentations since early fall. Biter said that COVID was a big challenge to overcome, but that all the kids were very good at being flexible and figuring things out, like true scientists.
This year, everything was done virtually and sent in ahead of time. For some, getting the needed materials ready on time was tough due to several students having to battle sickness and quarantines. Each student prepared a written presentation, a timeline with three samples of their notebook, a printed copy of a powerpoint, a two minute video and an abstract.