What do dragons in the sky, live worms, shabti figurines and fashion from ancient Egypt, the Oxford Middle School building modeled in 3-D, and enough clay characters to star in about 20 movies have in common? They are just some of the projects featured in the 4th Annual Greatest Show and Tell Expo at Oxford Academy.
Students in the Primary and Middle Schools, along with their families, were invited to share their work as makers, inventors, and enthusiasts in an exhibit showcasing their creations and interests. Sometimes working alone and sometimes working with families, Blackhawks from the Primary and Middle Schools showed there is no limit to what they can learn and do.
Visitors came without expectations and were surprised by everything. Whether you like art or science or history or physics and mechanics or even worms (!), the students covered it. There was a working water wheel, original video games (including one coded to work with pedals on the floor), wooden car and helicopter models, an actual dirt bike, crochet, a model ship, The Batmobile, leprechaun traps, a calming bottle whose secret ingredient is glitter, machines, LEGO builds, plants, an embroidered pillow, engineered games constructed from wood and metal, a birdhouse, art made with real horse shoes, assorted engines, a plant, a model of a Pulan 306A chainsaw, soda can art, and more!
Even visitors could try their hands at making things. Thanks to the students and families who offered make-and-take projects, guests of all ages enjoyed caramel corn and pumpkin cookies, and took home decorated bookmarks, felt flowers, bee hotels, and beautiful sand gardens.
The best parts, though, may have been the conversations. Students were ready to talk to guests about what they’re working on and what they love. From the young artist who hopes to make 1 million clay figures and maybe even claymation films some day, to the young mechanic who asked for a spot in his grandfather’s shop so he could take more things apart to see how they work, their interests are flourishing.
“It was fun to see what kids are working on at school and in their free time,” Superintendent John Hillis said after talking with students at the Expo. “Their projects show how curious and talented our students are. It’s amazing.”
Organizer and third grade teacher Clayton Kappauf is already looking forward to the 5th Annual Greatest Show and Tell Expo in 2023, he tells us. We are too!