The top scholar scientists in Pinellas County earned a trophy and bragging rights after winning the Annual TZ Science Elementary Showdown recently held at Woodlawn Elementary School.

For the second year in a row, a team from Lealman Avenue Elementary School took top honors at the event, a competition that explores topics such as life science, earth science, and physical science.

Eleven schools represented at the showdown where scholars used teamwork, problem solving and their previous science knowledge to solve the challenges they faced.

Scholars competed in five rounds, including balloon launching, a food web challenge and a popular volcano eruption.

The teams were given instructions for each activity that had to be followed. And even in some challenges they were asked to do trials with variables to find the best data possible.

Dr. Destanee Cunningham, a district science instructional staff developer, said the purpose of the showdown is to enhance the science assessment scholars take in May.

“So giving them practice, strategies as they are using their testing strategies as well to do their teamwork together,” she said.

Scholar Rebecca Bereufi was one of four members of the winning squad.

“My favorite part, personally was, just being a part of this and winning,” she said.

“…We practiced for this and we had paid attention and we won.”

LaKisha Lawson, Chief of the Transformation Zone, said the competitive academic gaming events like the showdown helps boost scholars love for learning.

“(The showdown) also allows them an opportunity to have fun,” she said. “…be able to leave your school and have fun competing agent other schools is such a joy to see.”