In Abbott Elementary Season 4, Episode 13, titled "The Science Fair," the chaotic, hilarious world of the school’s annual science fair takes center stage. The episode begins with a playful bet between Janine and Gregory about who can go the longest without checking their phones—a lighthearted competition that quickly spirals into a back-and-forth about technology addiction. While Janine is determined to win, Gregory has his own plans, with a kiss as the payoff. The scene sets the tone for the episode, combining humor with a bit of light social commentary.
The competition takes a sharp turn when Morton, the over-the-top, competitive teacher, announces the science fair and reveals the “Morty” trophy—a basketball trophy spray-painted to resemble a sun. His over-enthusiasm sets the stage for the chaos that ensues, with teachers being roped into volunteering. Jacob reluctantly finds himself in the role of judge, which, combined with Morton’s perfectionist tendencies, creates an incredibly funny dynamic. Each teacher brings their own unique perspective to the event, from Melissa’s skepticism to Janine’s idealism, making for a wonderfully varied set of personalities.
The true stars of the show are the students, who each come up with their own science fair projects, ranging from testing potatoes as light sources to experimenting with water filtration and making volcanoes. Ava also plays a key role, showing off her usual flair, determined to win at all costs. But as the competition intensifies, it becomes clear that the adults have turned the event into their own personal rivalry. Ava and Janine, in particular, are swept up in the competitive spirit, with Ava’s “sponsorship” giving her an extra dose of confidence.
What stands out in this episode is the way the teachers, caught up in their own need to win, lose sight of the true purpose of the science fair: to allow the students to learn and have fun. When the adults’ antics reach a breaking point, the kids take matters into their own hands, deciding to judge the fair themselves and select their own winner. This twist emphasizes the heart of the episode—the idea that the adults often miss the point while the kids intuitively understand what matters most.
The episode also delves into Morton’s struggles with control, both in the science fair and in his life. The teachers begin to recognize that perhaps they’ve been too focused on the wrong things. The idea of embracing flexibility and letting go of control comes to the forefront, leaving the teachers with a valuable lesson. In the end, it’s Courtney’s “evil genius” approach that wins her the trophy, but the victory feels hollow as the adults realize they’ve missed the true essence of the event.
Personally, I loved how Abbott Elementary skillfully blends humor with moments of reflection. The episode is a clever commentary on adult competitiveness, especially in the context of something as seemingly innocuous as a school science fair.
It also subtly highlights the way “glitz and glamour” can overshadow the core values of learning and personal growth. The humor is sharp, but the message about education and the pressure we put on ourselves to succeed is clear. Tyler James Williams, who plays Gregory, and also directed the episode, shines in this episode. His performance continues to showcase the depth of his character, from his dry humor to the moments of vulnerability that make Gregory so relatable. He plays the straight man to the chaos around him, especially when his competitive streak emerges. The chemistry between Gregory and Janine is also stronger than ever, and their interactions add both warmth and comedy to the episode. Williams’ ability to balance the comedy with genuine moments of character development speaks to the show's growing sophistication in storytelling.
Overall, Abbott Elementary continues to evolve, with its mix of humor, social commentary, and heart. The show has become a more nuanced take on education, showing that while the journey might get messy, it’s the lessons along the way—about letting go of control, embracing chaos, and fostering personal growth—that truly matter. This episode is a perfect example of that, reminding us that sometimes the best lessons come from the most unexpected places.
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