No ordinary science fair for Palatine academy's students

It was no ordinary science fair Thursday for seventh- and eighth-grade students at Quest Academy in Palatine.

"Many schools have science experiments that last a day or two and they move on," science teacher Nate Stoffregen said. "This is long term. The kids start in September and work all the way through January."

Students taking part choose a subject they're passionate about, research it, formulate questions and find something they can measure.

"It's not easy, it's a lot of work," Stoffregen said. "By the end they are saying 'I didn't know I could do that' and they're pretty proud of what they have to show."

Stoffregen said the school has been doing the science fair sine 1992.

The projects were judged by a panel of teachers, parents and residents. About 12 to 15 of the students who participated Thursday will advance to the regional level. From there, seven or eight kids will make it to the state level.