Student exhibits filled the Willard Elementary School gym at the River Forest school's annual science fair on Friday. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Third-grader Natalie Beck uses air pressure from a straw to try to keep a corn puff in the air. The hands-on demonstration was among many offered during the annual science fair at Willard Elementary School Friday in River Forest. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Medi

Third-grader Zen Phillpotts (left) performs an experiment with Mike Bevan during the annual science fair at Willard Elementary School in River Forest. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Scott Douglas (far right) of The Science Alliance performs an experiment with students during the annual science fair at Willard Elementary School in River Forest. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Burt Klein uses air pressure to keep a ball aloft during the annual science fair at Willard Elementary School Friday in River Forest. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Third grader Natalie Beck (center) blows a corn puff in the air with her brother Roosevelt 5th grader Bill Beck (left) and third grader Mena Patel (right) during the annual science fair at Willard Elementary School on Friday, March 1, 2013, in River Fores

Third grader Zen Phillpotts (left) performs an experiment with Mike Bevan (right) during the annual science fair at Willard Elementary School on Friday, March 1, 2013, in River Forest. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media