CWSF 2009 - Winnipeg, Manitoba-May 9-17
CWSF 2009 - Winnipeg, Manitoba-May 9-17
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Team Quinte 2009
Team Quinte » for CWSF 2009: from left to right:
Michael Brogee,Emmanuelle Bérubé,Garland Conley,Olivia Geen,Ashley Millette,Elizabeth Churcher
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Northern Life May 28 2009
Students honoured for green technology at national fair Two projects focusing on green technology invented by students from Rainbow Schools, including a biodegradable
plastic and a filtering process for eliminating carbon dioxide from car emissions, captured top honours at this year’s Canada-Wide Science Fair. The national fair was held in Winnipeg, Man., May 9-17.
The students from Rainbow Schools were among the top young scientists in Grades 7 to 12 chosen from approximately 25,000 competitors at 100 regional science and technology fairs
from across the country.
Spencer Young and Connor Sanders of MacLeod Public School won a silver medal in the Junior Physical and
Mathematical Sciences category for their project entitled Material Matters. They received a $700 cash prize. They also each won a $1,500 entrance scholarship to the University of
Western Ontario.
Material Matters captured first place in the Junior Division
Physical Sciences Category at the Sudbury Regional Science Fair held at Laurentian University April 4-5. Spencer Young and Connor Sanders also won the Environmental Award, the Innovation Award and the NSERC Award at the local fair. In their project, Spencer Young and Connor Sanders
attempted to find a more eco-friendly material with the same or greater qualities as a normal plastic bag. They created a completely natural, homemade biodegradable plastic, which
was tested against the top plastic bags. Also at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, Colin Roos of R.L.
Beattie Public School earned an Honourable Mention in the Junior Environmental Innovation Science category for his project entitled The Chlorofilter. He received a $100 cash prize. Colin Roos captured first place in the Junior Division Engineering Category at the Sudbury Regional Science
Fair. He also won the Bill Roman Award, Via Rail CanadaÌs EnviroExpo Special Award and the LU Engineering Award at the local fair.
The Chlorofilter uses plant photosynthesis to put in a car so that oxygen, rather than carbon dioxide, is emitted to reverse the effect of global warming on Earth. This science fair project included four phases. Last year, in phase one, Colin Roos tested how effective land plants were at exchanging
carbon dioxide for oxygen. With this year’s project, phase two, he tested algae in the same manner.
Connor Sanders, left, and Spencer
Young of MacLeod Public School won a
silver medal in the Junior Physical and
Mathematical Sciences category at the
Canada-Wide Science Fair for their project
entitled Material
Matters. They created
a completely
natural, homemade
biodegradable
plastic, which was
tested against the
Colin Roos of R. L. Beattie Public School sets up his project at the
Canada-Wide Science Fair exhibit hall in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He
earned an Honourable Mention in the Junior Environmental Innovation
Science category for his project entitled The Chlorofilter
Rainbow District School Board students gather in Winnipeg following
the Canada- Wide Science Fair awards ceremony
with a female student from Rideau- St. Lawrence. From
left to right are Spencer Young, Connor Sanders, Tyler Landry and Colin Roos.
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Western Canada Water
On August 18, 2009, the Stockholm Water Foundation and the Stockholm International
Water Institute awarded 18-year-old Ceren Burçak Dag (Turkey) the 2009 Stockholm
Junior Water Prize. The young woman won the coveted honour by developing an innovative
method for Generating energy through piezoelectric pulses from falling raindrops. The
jury also awarded two Diplomas of Excellence to Emily Elhacham (Israel) for her project,
Detecting water contamination chemical sensors using metal nanoparticle networks, and Mary
Zhao (Canada) for her project, Grasping water: A novel method of inducing precipitation
using the Ice Nucleating Protein. The Canadian Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Committee is very proud of Mary’s accomplishment at the competition. Her award is equivalent
to winning a “silver medal” at the “science fair Olympics.” Well done, Mary!
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2010 Top 20 Under 20 Bios
Perri Tutelman
Richmond, BC
Age: 16
Perri is guided by her passion to help children with special needs. Since the age of 14, she
has been a contributing researcher at the B.C. Cancer Research Centre where she
developed a novel combination cancer treatment, whose distinctions include first place at
the 2009 Canada‐Wide Science Fair. Perri’s current research examines hormones and
auto‐immune disorders. Beyond the lab, Perri founded the Cures for Kids Foundation, a
non‐profit organization that raises funds and awareness for pediatric life‐threatening
illnesses. In their first year, the Cures for Kids Foundation raised $15,000 to help fund a
procedure room at B.C. Children’s Hospital and recently received a national innovation
award from the Art of Living Foundation. Perri’s future goals focus on treating pediatric
illnesses by significantly advancing research and the funding that supports both research
and care.
Sofia Oke
Guelph, ON
Age 17
In 2009, the City of Guelph recognized Sofia with their Top 40 Under 40 Award for her
outstanding volunteerism with Habitat for Humanity, St. Joseph's Health Care Centre, Red
Cross, and her local blood donor clinic. An athlete with strong business skills, Sofia’s
competitive soccer team named her MVP and at DECA’s 2009 international business
competition she place in the Top 10. Witnessing a family friend endure cancer
treatments, her passion for science inspired her to improve the application and
effectiveness of chemotherapies. Sofia and her partner worked for two years to discover
how to make cancerous cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, resulting in lower
drug dosages being needed and reduced side effects. Their innovation earned Gold at the
Waterloo‐Wellington Science Fair and Petro Canada’s Innovation Award at the Canada
Wide Science Fair.
Gary Kurek
Fort Kent, AB
Age: 18
With cancer debilitating several members of his family, Gary wanted to make their lives a
little easier. He came up with the Rollator Wheelchair Hybrid (RWH), a motorizing kit
that can be retrofitted to any four‐wheeled rolling walker to create a combination walker
and electric wheelchair. RWH is the first powered mobility product that lets users
transform their single‐ability walking aids into multifunctional devices. Costing ¼ of a
conventional electric wheelchair, RWH navigates well in standard homes. Gary’s
invention garnered 17 Canada Wide Science Fair awards, including the Best in Fair
National Champion. Over $70,000 and thousands of hours have gone into developing
RWH, which is now in the final prototype stage. Gary’s company, GET Mobility Solutions
Inc., holds the patent on the product and plans to launch it in 2010.
Stéphanie Brisson
Québec, QC
Age: 19
Stéphanie’s sponsor says she is a creative leader with exceptional dedication and
contagious positivity. Stéphanie is on a mission to expose as many young Quebeckers to
the rewards of participating in scientific competitions. At 16, Stéphanie entered the
Canada Wide Science Fair and captured awards and distinctions. Following success at
Shad Valley as the leader of a team of 25, she knew that her school could better promote
these valuable opportunities to its students. Now, after Stéphanie’s efforts, all notebook
packages handed out at Collège François‐Xavier Garneau include information and
successful teams have been winning acclaim. Knowing that girls need special
encouragement to get into science, Stéphanie became a committee member of Les filles et
les sciences and is making special efforts to engage girls and share her passion for the
sciences.
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Province of Alberta Legislature May 2009
Shandy Wogan
Ms Calahasen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The little school that
could has produced one of many of my constituency’s great minds.
I’m talking about a grade 9 student who attends the Red Earth Creek
school, approximately 450 kilometres north of Edmonton. As little
as 10 years ago this school did not exist. However, the parents and
people of Red Earth moved mountains to get a school for their
children, and from the looks of it it’s paying off in Shandy Wogan.
This grade 9 student is a brilliant, determined, and passionate
young woman, which is evident in her recent accomplishments.
Shandy won the best-in-fair trophy, the award of excellence in health
and science trophy, and a gold medal for the life sciences at the
Peace Country Regional Science Fair on March 19, the first for a
student of Red Earth Creek. These awards were for the study that
Shandy undertook studying the effects of energy drinks on teenagers.
As a result of these honours, she has won the right to attend the
Canada-wide Science Fair, held in Winnipeg May 9 to 17.
Science is a passion for Shandy. This passion has been cultivated
by her mother, who gives her every opportunity to expand her
learning not only through school but through attending conferences
and visiting museums. In fact, last year Shandy participated in her
first science fair, where she studied human memory by using a pig’s
brain, dissecting it to identify the regions of the brain. Amazingly,
she did not win that one, but that didn’t and won’t stop her.
Shandy aspires to be a doctor, and I have no doubt that with the
perseverance and hard work she has shown, she will achieve this
dream. Shandy is one of the young, brilliant minds who are the
future of our province, and I have no doubt that we will be hearing
more about Shandy in the future.
All the best to you, Shandy, at the Canada-wide Science Fair in
Winnipeg from May 9 to 17
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Polar Innovation Week
NOTE: Dr. Barber will moderate the Canada-Wide Science Fair Polar
Discussion Panel on May 12, 2009.
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Global Campus
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Calgary Youth Science Fair 2010
New Rule for All Projects - Ingestion
Students and Parents Please Note!
Youth Science Canada has determined that projects that involve “ingestion” will no longer be allowed at the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
Ingestion is simply the act of taking into the body either food or liquid. This will also include projects that involve the use of items such as
inhalers.
Youth Science Canada has long had rules against the use of medications in science fair projects and, with the increased interest in natural
remedies blurring the line between medications and herbs, has decided to make the rules as simple as possible by banning all ingestion
projects.
This means that even food-related projects such as “taste tests” will no longer be allowed BOTH under the rules of the Calgary Youth Science
Fair Society AND under the rules of Youth Science Canada, our governing body.
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Cenk Sumen
A Past Participant Who Now Combats Human Disease!
As a ten-year old immigrant from the Aegean coast, Cenk Sumen immersed himself in the problem solving nature of science as a way to
combat the culture shock he felt while settling in Calgary. Luckily, there were many teachers, professors and other mentors to support Cenk’s interest in science and he began his career in earnest with the Calgary Youth Science Fairs. Cenk was a CYSF participant from 1984 to 1986 and was involved in the Canada Wide Science Fair from 1985 to 1987, exhibiting such projects as “Copper from Chalcopyrite” and “Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery,” the latter project being displayed at the World Exhibition of Young Inventors in 1986. Cenk now thinks that science fairs are “great opportunities for creative endeavor and serve to connect bright students with scientists that can guide their education and careers.” Cenk established contacts at the University of Calgary early on and was invited to use lab space there to develop his projects. With the benefit of hindsight he now says, “once I got a taste of science, there was no going back!”
Cenk went on to do a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at MIT, a Ph.D. at Stanford in Microbiology/
Immunology, and post-doctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School and the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre
in New York City. Cenk has had many career highlights including studying the effects of surface morphology on
cell adhesion and function at MIT, being part of the team that brought beta interferon (Avonex™) to multiple sclerosis patients, and creating
an artificial membrane system for deconstructing the molecular events in antigen recognition by T cells while at Stanford.
Today, Cenk’s specialties are Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Immunology, Two-Photon Imaging, and Magnetic Beads. He’s currently working
as a consultant for Dynal, a subsidiary of Life Technologies, which focuses on magnetic bead based separations to facilitate immunology
research. “It is my sincere wish,” Cenk says, “that my work will contribute to implementing effective treatments for human disease.”
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A History of Science Fairs in Calgary
In 1961 an organization known as the Central Committee on School Fairs was established to organize an exhibition of the work done by
school students. The original plans included a display of all phases of students work but subsequent discussions limited the field of study to
the subject of science. The Committee was composed of two groups who had a strong interest in the development of a science fair. These
were members of the various scientific and professional associations in the city and the members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.
Science fairs were already being offered to schools in other parts of Canada and the United States as a way to encourage student interest
in scientific methodology and to provide students with a way of exploring career opportunities in science.
The first Calgary science fair was held in the spring of 1962 at the Jubilee Auditorium with
300 exhibits. Participants came from elementary schools, the Southern Alberta Institute of
Technology and there was also one from the University of Alberta, Calgary. The balance
of the exhibits were submitted by junior and senior high students.
In 1963, the science fair committee limited participation to students from the school
systems, but still needed larger floor space to accommodate the 400 exhibits which were
entered. Mewata Armouries was the site of the second science fair. The headline in the
Calgary Herald read, “30,000 Attend Science Fair; Larger ’64 Quarters Sought”. In 1963,
two students were selected to represent Calgary for the first time at the newly introduced
National Science Fair, these students were Enzio Magi and John Nash.
In 1964, the science fair was held at the Big Four
Building on the Stampede Grounds. This was
the beginning of a 46-year relationship between
the science fair and the Stampede — one which
carries on to this day. The Calgary Youth Science
Fair Society was established that same year, to
carry on the work of the previous committee, and is
composed of volunteers from a number of business
and professional groups.
Since the beginning of the science fair movement in
Calgary, the fair has evolved to become the largest
regional science fair in Canada and might even be
the largest such regional event anywhere in the
world. During the time from 1962 to the present,
countless numbers of students have participated
in creating projects which have ranged from simple
scientific experiment to very sophisticated research.
Since 1962, the Calgary Youth Science Fair has
sent over 300 students to the annual Canada Wide
Science Fairs that have been held in a number of
host cities across Canada. In addition several of our
students have been selected to represent Canada
at the International Science and Engineering Fair,
which is held annually in the United States.
Science Fairs in Calgary are almost fifty years old, and the Calgary Youth Science Fair Society is
now in the process of locating many past participants and documenting their careers. Many of these
individuals have become very successful in their chosen fields and we look forward to profiling many
of their achievements during our Celebration Year in 2011 -2012.
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University of Manitoba Bulletin
The elite come to compete
About 450 students from across
Canada arrived to the University of
Manitoba on May 9 for the Canada-Wide Science Fair, an event last held in Manitoba in 1988. Wearing team jackets, the Grade 7 to 12 students gathered in the Engineering atrium on May 11 to take tours of our university labs and attend lectures held by some of our professors. Before departing for such rooms as the SIMS lab (the secondary ion mass spectrometry lab) in the Wallace Building, the participants mingled, talking about their projects and exchanging pins from their schools, cities or provinces. “We, like, made biodegradable plastic,” Shirley Nakhshon, a Grade 10 student from Thornhill Secondary School in Ontario said. The plastic, which she developed with classmate Revi Bonder, is made from corn starch and biodegrades in 100 weeks; they want it to be faster. The students at this fair were chosen from 25,000 competitors in more than 100 regional science and
technology fairs across the country. Here, at this fair, the elite compete in nine divisions and three age categories for medals and other prizes worth over $360,000.
“We’re here for the experience,” Bonder said.
“If we win, that’s extra,” Nakhshon
added.
Walking past them just then was Kacherine Leach-Ross, a Grade 7 student from Stratford Central School in Ontario. A small girl with long hair and a smile that could jump-start a car, she developed an online dictionary for the deaf and hard of hearing; instead of words, it shows signs. Asked if she knows anyone who is hard of hearing, she unhesitatingly throws her hair back to showcase two
tied-dyed hearing aids, one orange and one pink.
“I can’t believe the level of science,” Calgary teacher and first time participant Jessica Raskob said.
“These kids just put so much effort into their work and their projects, they are incredible. But it’s not all hard work; I mean a smart kid is a smart kid.”
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Spirit of Mamawetan
MAy 27, 2009
Each year, the Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region encourages youth to consider health careers by presenting awards to the best health-related projects at the Northern Saskatchewan Regional Science Fair. This year’s winners are pictured here. Madelaine Lazurko’s project ―The Solar Chef‖ was also selected as the top project at the fair. She went on to compete at the Canada-Wide Science Fair held in Winnipeg. Congratulations to all these students—and thank you to staff who took the time to act as judges for the day: Sadie Chave, Patricia Skalicky, Shala Ricklefs, Audrey Boyer & Jennifer Hounjet.
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Mike Bradley -- Mayor City of Sarnia Dec. 2009
CHRIS CHOPCIAN AND MELISSA CHOPCIAN
In 2009, Chris, a 15 year old student at Northern High School, competed in the International Science Fair in Reno, Nevada and came away with a 4th place ribbon. This competition in the science world is equivalent to the Olympics. Chris’ idea for a head-mounted device to help paraplegics get around in their wheelchairs, was named 4th best of 81 projects entered from around the world.
In 2009, Melissa, a 12 year old student at Hanna Memorial School, won best project in the junior category and gold in engineering from the Canada Wide Science Fair in Winnipeg. She was also awarded a $2,000 scholarship to University of Western Ontario and $7,500 cash. Her winning entry was a fully functional simulator designed to instruct elementary school students in CPR.
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Plant Agriculture Newsletter June 2009
Niagara Regional Science
and Engineering Fair
Once again this year, Jay Subramanian mentored budding scientists in the Niagara
Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Bindu Kovvuru took 2nd place overall,
Supritha Nilam was award 3rd place overall. In addition, Bindu won 6 awards
including an entry scholarhip to Brock University worth
$1000 and one of the newly implemented Department of Plant
Agriculture, University of Guelph Awards. Surpritha was also
awarded an entry scholarship to Brock University along with 4
other awards. Both Surpritha and Bindu attend Sir Winston
Churchill High School in St. Catharines and were both chosen
to compete at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Winnipeg.
Mackenzie Wiens who was also a receipient of a Plant
Agriculture, University of Guelph award, shared the overall iunior third place with
Jay’s daughter Varsha Jayasankar. Congratulations to all of Jay’s students and of
course his daughter Varsha who received 3 awards in total including NPFVGA and
VRIC best project award, on their exceptional achievements.
Canada-Wide Science Fair
Supritha and Bundu both went on to compete in the Canada-Wide Science Fair, where Supritha received
Honorable Mention in the Senior Environmental Innovation Category. As well Supritha was awarded the
Manning Innovation Achievement Award and the Manning Young Canadian Innovation Awards, the
awards totaling $4500. Bindu received Honorable Mention in the Senior Environmental Innovation
Category as well as receiving the Canadian Stockholm Junior Water Prize, valued at $2000.
Congratulations to these up and coming scientists and to Jay who was absolutely vital to the students
success at both competitions.
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Engineering - Globe and Mail May 21, 2009
Canada-Wide Science Fair celebrates bright, young minds
Winnipeg experienced
a burst of innovation, creativity and curiosity from May 9 to 17, when nearly 500 of Canada’s
brightest science and engineering students descended on the prairie capital for the
48th annual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). “Competitors were
required to win a spot in their local science region to participate,” says Richard Cuthbert,
co-chair of CWSF 2009. “They came from 102 affiliated science regions from all
provinces and territories.” Participating students from Grades 7 to 12 beat out
approximately 25,000 competitors from across the country in order to showcase their projects
for the CWSF judges, local school groups and the public. “Awards close to $1 million in
cash prizes and scholarships were given out at the fair,” says Mr. Cuthbert, adding that
many universities provide CWSF medal winners with their first year of enrolment.
The CWSF and its feeder competitions are presented by Youth Science Canada in partnership
with local host committees comprised of professors, research scientists, members
of the business community, science educators and graduate students.
This year, the University of Manitoba (U of M) was home to the event, hosting the students in its dorms and the exhibits in its halls. Mr. Cuthbert says students were split into three age categories:
Junior (Grades 7 and 8); Intermediate (Grades 9 and 10); and Senior (Grades 11 and 12). They competed in a variety of divisions including life sciences, health sciences, physical and mathematical sciences, engineering, computing and information technology, pharmaceutical and biotechnology
sciences, automotive sciences, and environmental innovation.
“The CWSF is a celebration of the creativity and talents of Canada’s top young
scientists in a setting that involves both the education system and the community,” he says.
A former regional participant himself, Mr. Cuthbert says the majority of participating
students pursue a researchrelated career following the CWSF. Don Himbeault, P.Eng., president of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province
of Manitoba, was one of approximately 400 judges in attendance.
“Each student is seen by five judges in order to get an average score. We’re given different
categories under which to judge, such as originality, use of references, etc. It’s a good process,” he says.
On top of the potential for financial awards or scholarships, Mr. Himbeault says participation
in the CWSF provides excellent exposure to the world of research and
development.
“These participants probably experienced failures or unexpected results along the
way, and, in the end, have something of value to present about their findings. If they do
pursue research and development as a career, that is what it’s all about.”
As a professional engineer, Mr. Himbeault is very aware of the importance of seeking
input on any engineering project. He says the CWSF experience may be just one of
many where others are looking at these students’ work and judging it. “A lot of engineering
work is about peer review, and not everyone is immediately comfortable with
that. The CWSF would help participants build up their ability to undergo a peer review, so it is a good, formative experience.” Mr. Cuthbert agrees that the CWSF has many such personal and professional benefits. “The competitor’s biggest benefit is the chance to meet
and compete with science students from across Canada. Quite often they form lifelong
friendships, ultimately choose science- and engineering-related fields of study, and end up
interacting with one another during their professional careers later in life.”
Not only do CWSF participants exhibit their projects and meet leaders from the
local scientific and business community, they also participate in cultural activities, social events and tours of university and industry research labs.
The next CWSF will be hosted in Peterborough, Ontario, from May 15 to 23, 2010. The following year, Toronto will host CWSF 2011, marking the 50th anniversary of the fair.
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ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TRADES
AND APPRENTICESHIP ACT, 2009 /
LOI DE 2009 SUR L'ORDRE DES MÉTIERS
DE L'ONTARIO ET L'APPRENTISSAGE
AND APPRENTICESHIP ACT, 2009 /
LOI DE 2009 SUR L'ORDRE DES MÉTIERS
DE L'ONTARIO ET L'APPRENTISSAGE
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Mr. Reza Moridi: My question is to the Minister of Research and Innovation. Here with us today in the Legislature is a group from the Youth Science Ontario Showcase, students who competed at the Ontario science fair and then went on to represent Team Ontario at the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
I
would especially like to congratulate Adelina Cozma from my riding of Richmond
Hill. In her project, Adelina explored the importance of how teenagers'
emotions and thinking-style brains work together. Based on her own surveys, she
determined the brain dominance and thinking-preference style of teenagers and
examined their impact on emotional intelligence competencies, which influences
behaviour towards bullying in the automotive domain.
Hon. John Wilkinson: I want to thank my friend from
Richmond Hill, who is himself an award-winning scientist, for the question.
On
behalf of all members, I'd like to thank Youth Science Ontario and Youth
Science Canada for the important work they do in fostering a love of science in
young people from across Ontario and Canada. The young people who are visiting
the Legislature this morning, like your constituent Adelina, are truly among a
group of stellar young scientists in Ontario.
Out
of the 387 projects at this year's Canada-Wide Science Fair, one third of
those, 130, were from Ontario. Ontario students received over 200 awards,
scholarships and honourable mentions for projects that tackled everything from
biotechnology and engineering to information technology and environmental
innovation. These are amazing accomplishments that we can all be proud of.
There
is a reception for our young people in the St. Lawrence lounge of the Macdonald
Block at 900 Bay from 1 to 4. I welcome all members to come and visit their
constituents and let them know how very proud we are of them-
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary?
Mr. Reza Moridi: An understanding of science is a fundamental part of a well-rounded education and will become increasingly important in the knowledge-based economy.
Many
Ontarian and Canadian icons have participated in science fairs, including the
first female Canadian astronaut, Roberta Bondar, and Research in Motion founder
Mike Lazaridis.
"We
need" our children "to aspire to be scientists, engineers and
technologists. In the end, that will make the biggest impact on Canada's
future."
I
would ask the minister to explain what his ministry is doing to help foster the
next generation of Bondars and Lazaridises here in Ontario.
Hon. John Wilkinson: If we're going to have a economy in the 21st century that's based on turning great ideas into great jobs, we need to do everything we can to ensure that the next generation of innovators, the young Roberta Bondars and Mike Lazaridises out there today, have the skills and qualifications necessary to support an innovation-based economy.
I'm
particularly proud that the Ministry of Research and Innovation was able to
support work like this in our 2007-08 budget, which included some $3.5 million
for Youth Science Foundation
Canada, which supports our work at
science fairs across Ontario, and $1.5 million for Let's Talk Science. Each
year, over 25,000 Canadian students, some 8,000 here in Ontario, compete
through Youth Science Canada's regional science fairs, including 30 regional
fairs here in Ontario. In the past two years, Let's Talk Science has grown to
more than 300 sites across Canada and partners with some 10 of Ontario's finest
universities.
SCIENCE FAIR
Mrs. Carol Mitchell: I rise in the House today to congratulate three outstanding students from my riding on a wonderful achievement. Victor Kloeze, Jacob McGavin and Allison Underwood recently returned from the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Winnipeg, where they received awards for their outstanding science projects.
Victor,
Jacob and Allison are joined by 36 bright Ontario junior scientists who did
Ontario proud by bringing home top prizes. This year's successful projects
reflect a wide variety of subjects, including electrical voltage, human
mobility, evolution and solar power, just to name a few.
These
young men and women were chosen to compete at the Canada-Wide Science Fair from
the top ranks of approximately 25,000 competitors at over 100 regional science
and technology fairs staged across the country.
The
brilliant work of these young scientists is on display today at the Macdonald
Block as part of the annual Youth Science Ontario Showcase. I'm looking forward
to seeing first-hand the work of Ontario's next generation of scientific
leaders and I encourage all members to witness the work of these bright young
people.
I
ask this House to join me in congratulating these exceptional young people on
their recent achievements, and I would remind the House and the members that
these are names, McGavin and Underwood, that we have heard in this House many,
many times for all their achievements.
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Science Fairs 2010 in the Community Reveal your potential - Cariboo/Mainline Centreal Interior
This booklet is designed to give you the information you need to get your students to participate
in Science Fairs in your region. Please contact your regional chairperson (see page 13). Teachers
should ensure that students comply with the regional regulations when completing the forms.
The Youth Science Foundation Canada recognizes nine divisions for competition at the Canada-
Wide Science Fair (see page 6). Exhibit divisions may differ at the regional level. Contact your
regional chair for further details.
Grade divisions for the Regional Fairs are determined by the individual Regional Fair organizers
and may vary from the requirements for the Canada-Wide Science Fair. In general, students
from grade 4 to 12 can participate in British Columbia Regional Science Fairs. Further details are
included in the section ‘Information for Students’.
While the objective of Science Fairs in British Columbia is to involve students in in-depth projects
of a scientific nature and inspire their career aspirations, there are also many professional
development benefits to the teachers who encourage student participation.
There is an extensive program for teachers accompanying the student exhibitors to the Canada-
Wide Science Fair (CWSF). These professional development benefits include:
• Meeting, talking and exchanging ideas with outstanding science teachers from every province
and territory in Canada as well as several other countries.
• Examining and discussing close to 400 projects with the students who have created them.
• Taking part in educational tours of university research, industrial laboratories and medical
centres.
• Participating in workshop sessions relating to teaching science, Science Fairs and supervising,
mentoring and improving student science research, study or innovation projects.
• Meeting and talking with local and national media representatives which can result in increased
visibility for your students, schools and communities.
• Meeting and talking with representatives from local and national corporations, industries,
academic institutions and service organizations. This can result in the establishment of
internships and mentoring programs for your students and desirable support for both teachers
and schools.
Information for Teachers
This booklet is designed to give you the information you need to get your students to participate
in Science Fairs in your region. Please contact your regional chairperson (see page 13). Teachers
should ensure that students comply with the regional regulations when completing the forms.
The Youth Science Foundation Canada recognizes nine divisions for competition at the Canada-
Wide Science Fair (see page 6). Exhibit divisions may differ at the regional level. Contact your
regional chair for further details.
Grade divisions for the Regional Fairs are determined by the individual Regional Fair organizers
and may vary from the requirements for the Canada-Wide Science Fair. In general, students
from grade 4 to 12 can participate in British Columbia Regional Science Fairs. Further details are
included in the section ‘Information for Students’.
While the objective of Science Fairs in British Columbia is to involve students in in-depth projects
of a scientific nature and inspire their career aspirations, there are also many professional
development benefits to the teachers who encourage student participation.
There is an extensive program for teachers accompanying the student exhibitors to the Canada-
Wide Science Fair (CWSF). These professional development benefits include:
• Meeting, talking and exchanging ideas with outstanding science teachers from every province
and territory in Canada as well as several other countries.
• Examining and discussing close to 400 projects with the students who have created them.
• Taking part in educational tours of university research, industrial laboratories and medical
centres.
• Participating in workshop sessions relating to teaching science, Science Fairs and supervising,
mentoring and improving student science research, study or innovation projects.
• Meeting and talking with local and national media representatives which can result in increased
visibility for your students, schools and communities.
• Meeting and talking with representatives from local and national corporations, industries,
academic institutions and service organizations. This can result in the establishment of
internships and mentoring programs for your students and desirable support for both teachers
and schools.
BC Canada-Wide Science Fair Team
BC students and educators participate in a week of competition,
social events and making new friends at Canada-Wide Science Fair,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 2009.
14 2009 Canada-Wide Sc ience Fair Aw ard Winners
Gold Medals
All Levels: $1500 Cash Prize + $2000 Scholarship to The University of Western Ontario
Senior Levels Additional: $4000 Scholarship to Dalhousie University + $4000 Scholarship to
University of BC + $20,000 Scholarship to University of Ottawa
Automotive - Junior
Yukon/Stikine David Lister • Electricity From The Waste Heat of An Engine
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sc iences - Senior
Greater Vancouver Steven Zhu • Fabulous Fiddleheads
Health Sc iences - Junior
Fraser Valley Chris Schoepp • You Can’t Hear That?!
Health Sc iences - Intermediate
Greater Vancouver Perri Tutelman • Cancer-Killing Combinations
Physical & Mathematical Sc iences - Intermediate
Vancouver Island Chadi Saad-Roy • Le nèodyme: utile dans le transport?
BCIC Young
Silver Medals 15
All Levels: $700 Cash Prize + $1500 Scholarship to The University of Western Ontario
Senior Levels Additional: $2000 Scholarship to Dalhousie University + $2000 Scholarship to
University of BC + $3,000 Scholarship to University of Ottawa
Automotive - Junior
Greater Vancouver Claire Longcroft • Driven to Distraction • The Effect of Talking and
Texting on a Cellular Phone While Driving
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sc iences - Intermediate
West Kootenay & Boundary Sarah Dalziel • The Woad to a Sustainable Blue. Phase 3
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sc iences - Senior
Greater Vancouver Forson Chan • Suramin, Congo Red, and Antibiotic Resistance
Computing & Information Technology - Senior
Greater Vancouver Jason Lin • A Different Look at Perceptrons
Greater Vancouver Manuel Ung • A Different Look at Perceptrons
Earth & Environmental Sc iences - Senior
Greater Vancouver Mary Zhao • Grasping Water
Engineering - Junior
Yukon/Stikine David Lister • Electricity From The Waste Heat of An Engine
Greater Vancouver Arik Milner • eMission Impossible: Detecting Pollution with Laser Light
Environmental Innovation - Intermediate
West Kootenay & Boundary Sarah Dalziel • The Woad to a Sustainable Blue. Phase 3
Health Sc iences - Intermediate
Greater Vancouver Jieqing Xu • Roots and Caterpillars vs Liver Cancer
Life Sc iences - Intermediate
Central Interior Forrest Tower • Predicting Aggression Using Multiple Regression
Central Interior Ashley Anderson • Predicting Aggression Using Multiple Regression
Physical & Mathematical Sc iences - Intermediate
Vancouver Island Oliver Jourmel • Soil Amending Properties of Charcoal
16 Bronze Medals
All Levels: $300 Cash Prize + $1000 Scholarship to The University of Western Ontario
Senior Levels Additional: $1,000 Scholarship to University of Ottawa
Automotive - Junior
Yukon/Stikine Nick Hayden • Aerodynamics of Transport Trucks
Automotive - Intermediate
Central Interior Kirstan Cruse • Solar Separation: The Production of Eco-Friendly Fuel
Central Interior Lindsay Dimler • Solar Separation: The Production of Eco-Friendly Fuel
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sc iences Intermediate
Central Okanagan Emma Walker • UV Radiation-Free, Naturally
Central Okanagan Madalyn Light • UV Radiation-Free, Naturally
Earth & Environmental Sc iences - Junior
South Fraser Shakti Ramkumar • Ecological Footprint - The Most Important
Accounting Tool For The Planet?
Pacific Northwest Arctica Cunningham • Scraps for Laps
Northern BC Dylan Kassian • Weather or Not.....Site C-O2
Earth & Environmental Sc iences - Senior
Northern BC Kimberly Gulevich • Got Gas?
Engineering - Junior
Yukon/Stikine Nick Hayden • Aerodynamics of Transport Trucks
Environmental Innovation - Junior
South Fraser Shakti Ramkumar • Ecological Footprint - The Most Important
Accounting Tool For The Planet?
Vancouver Island Robin White • Warm and Fuzzy; no More Scuzzy: Effective Small Scale
Motor Oil Spill Cleanup
Health Sc iences - Junior
Fraser Valley Jory Smallenberg • Do You Know What You’re Touching?
Greater Vancouver Claire Longcroft • Driven to Distraction • The Effect of Talking and
Texting on a Cellular Phone While Driving
Health Sc iences - Senior
Greater Vancouver Jeffrey Ma • Evaluation of Mangosteen Fruits and Extracts by HPLC and
in Prostate Cancer Cell
Greater Vancouver Eric Szeto • Evaluation of Mangosteen Fruits and Extracts by HPLC and
in Prostate Cancer Cell
Greater Vancouver Linda Liu • Rhubarb to the Rescue!
Life Sc iences - Senior
Central Okanagan Nicholas Randall • Yogurt Trek: The Search for Probiotics
Honorable Mention Aw ards 17
All Levels: $100 Cash Prize
Automotive - Intermediate
Vancouver Island Chadi Saad-Roy • Le nèodyme: utile dans le transport?
Earth & Environmental Sc ience - Junior
Northern BC Joseph Fellers • Going Waste Free
Greater Vancouver Kathleen Beekmann • Horsy Matters
Engineering - Junior
South Fraser Jordan Tardi • Magno-Car: The Ride of the Future
Greater Vancouver Alex Yang • X-CoP 102 - “eXternal COntrolled Prosthesis”
Engineering - Senior
South Fraser Laurel Stothers • From the Bottom Up: Self-Assembly by Lateral
Capillary Forces
Environmental Innovation - Junior
Greater Vancouver Arik Milner • eMission Impossible: Detecting Pollution with Laser Light
Fraser Valley David Oh • Glim and Glow
South Fraser Jordan Tardi • Magno-Car: The Ride of the Future
Environmental Innovation - Senior
South Fraser Alex Nah • Don’t Write on Your Hands
Greater Vancouver Steven Zhu • Fabulous Fiddleheads
Greater Vancouver Mary Zhao • Grasping Water
Health Sc iences - Intermediate
Cariboo/Mainline Morgan Hoot • Handwashing and Gloves: Making the Right Choice,
Part II
Northern BC Jacquie Gulevich • Will Women’s Wicking Wear Work?
Physical & Mathematical Sc iences - Junior
Central Interior BC Johanne Jensen-LeBlanc • CBMeteor Radio II
Sp ecial Aw ards
The Act uaria l Foundati on of Canada Award - Juni or • $500
Greater Vancouver Claire Longcroft • Driven to Distraction • The Effect of Talking and
Texting on a Cellular Phone While Driving
Award f or Exce llence in Astr onomy - Juni or • $500
Central Interior BC Johanne Jensen-LeBlanc • CBMeteor Radio II
Canadian S ociet y f or Medica l La borat ory Science Award • $750
Greater Vancouver Perri Tutelman • Cancer-Killing Combinations
CanadianSt ockholm Juni orWater Pri ze • $2000
Greater Vancouver Mary Zhao • Grasping Water
Car lsonWa gonlit Award • $500
Yukon/Stikine David Lister • Electricity From the Waste Heat of an Engine
Engineer s Wit houtB order s - Canada Award • $1500
Northern BC Kimberly Gulevich • Got Gas?
Internati ona l S ummer Sc hool f or Y oung Physici sts Award • $2500
South Fraser Laurel Stothers • From the Bottom Up: Self-Assembly by Lateral
Capillary Forces
The Mannin g Inn ovati on Achie vement Award • $500
Greater Vancouver Mary Zhao • Grasping Water
Greater Vancouver Linda Liu • Rhubarb to the Rescue!
Petro-Canada Peer Innovation Aw ard - Junior - Western Canada • $200
Central Okanagan Emily Tomaszewski • Bake Mistake
Petro-Canada Peer Innovation Aw ard - Intermediate - Western Canada
• $200
Greater Vancouver Jessica Zhang • A Fruity Attack on the Vicious Lung Carcinomas
Petr o-Canada Peer Inn ovati on Award - Seni or - We stern Canada • $200
Greater Vancouver Forson Chan • Suramin, Congo Red, and Antibiotic Resisance
Stati stica l S ociet y of Canada Award • $1000
Greater Vancouver Steven Zhu • Fabulous Fiddleheads
====================================================================
Reveal your Potential - Annual Report
Recogniton of students and teachers provided much to
celebrate in 2009:
◦◦ 74 students and 26 educators, BC’s largest team ever, attended
2009 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Winnipeg, Manitoba!
◦◦ the results – 5 gold, 11 silver, 15 bronze, 15
honorable mentions, 13 special awards, and 65
scholarships for a total of $137,700 in scholarships,
awards and prize money.
◦◦ 2 students and an educator attended the Taiwan International
Science Fair and returned with a First Place.
◦◦ 4 students were members of the 16 member Youth Science
Canada Team Canada contingent that attended the USA
Intel International Science & Engineering Fair in Reno,
Nevada – one was awarded a Fourth Grand Award.
◦◦ 3 students attended the Australian National Youth Science
Forum in Canberra, Australia.
◦◦ 1 student was among the 20 young Canadians to receive the
Top 20 Under 20 Award by Youth in Motion.
==================================================================
Youth Science Canada
PO Box 523, Station R
Toronto Ontario M4G 4E1
Toll‐Free 1‐866‐341‐0040
Telephone 416‐341‐0040
Fax 416‐341‐0040
info@youthscience.ca
www.youthscience.ca
April 13, 2009
Dear Youth Science Canada Member:
I am pleased to make this package of material available to you in preparation for the Youth Science
Canada Special General Meeting (SGM) of Members on Wednesday, May 13th in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The items available for download with this letter are important, as you (or your designate) will be
voting to elect three of the four nominees to the Board of Directors for a term of three years.
Please review all the items in the SGM package. If you cannot attend in person, please submit your proxy
by the date indicated. If you represent a Youth Science Canada-affiliated regional science fair, but
are not attending CWSF 2009 yourself, please forward the materials to the Delegate who will be in
Winnipeg.
Voting membership for the May 2009 SGM closed on April 13, 2009. Please note that new or renewing
members registering after that date are not eligible to vote at the Special General Meeting in Winnipeg. A
list of eligible voting members will be available at the Youth Science Canada office (University of
Manitoba, University Centre, Room 217A) during the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
The Canada Corporations Act – the act under which Youth Science Canada is incorporated – requires
that the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) be held no later than six months after the close of
the fiscal year – for Youth Science Canada, this means before December 30. In accordance with this
requirement, the 47th AGM was held on Saturday November 29th, 2008 at the Youth Science Canada
office in Pickering, Ontario. Because few Members are able to attend the AGM in person, the business of
the AGM is restricted to that required by law – acceptance of the audited financial statement and
appointment of the auditor. At the November meeting the 2008 audited financial statements, which were
sent to all Members in October, were accepted and the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP was appointed as
auditor for the 2009 fiscal year.
Youth Science Canada is required to conduct all other AGM-type business at a Special General Meeting
of Members each year at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Detailed information on the 2009 SGM is
included with this letter – notice of meeting, agenda, proxy ballot, and information on the nominees for the
Board of Directors.
Thank you for your continued support of Youth Science Canada. If you are able to join us at the Canada-
Wide Science Fair and the SGM in Winnipeg, I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Notice of Special General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting of Members of Youth Science Canada –
Sciences jeunesse Canada will be held at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Manitoba on
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 1:30pm CDT in E3-270 for the following purposes:
1. to receive reports;
2. to elect Directors for Youth Science Canada;
3. and to transact such further and other business as may be properly brought before the meeting.
I am pleased to make this package of material available to you in preparation for the Youth Science
Canada Special General Meeting (SGM) of Members on Wednesday, May 13th in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Members who are unable to attend the meeting in person are requested to complete, date and sign the
enclosed form of proxy and return it to Youth Science Canada. To be effective, the completed proxy must
be received by email, fax or postal mail at Youth Science Canada before 5:00 pm, Thursday, May 7, 2009
or delivered by hand to the Youth Science Canada office (University of Manitoba, University Centre,
Room 217A) at the Canada-Wide Science Fair by 5:00pm, Tuesday, May 12, 2009.
By order of the Board of Directors
Agenda
Special General Meeting
Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 1:30pm CDT
E3-270
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
1. Chair’s Welcome
2. Reports
a. Scrutineer
b. Chair (Board’s Progress and Achievement)
c. Treasurer – Financial
d. Nominating Committee
3. Election of Directors
a. Nominee’s Statements
b. Election
4. Board Service Recognition
5. Election Results
6. Other Business
a. Members’ Feedback
7. Adjournment
Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors – 2009
Dear Member;
The Nominating Committee is pleased to present the following four Members for your consideration for
election to the Youth Science Canada Board of Directors. Three positions are open this year, thus an
election will be necessary during the Special General Meeting of Members on Wednesday, May 13 at
CWSF 2009 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Carole Charlebois – La Prairie, Québec
Steve Karrel – Truro, Nova Scotia
Len Reimer – Delta, British Columbia
Farhad Seif – Mississauga, Ontario
A brief profile for each nominee follows (in alphabetical order):
Carole Charlebois - La Prairie, Québec (self-nominated)
Science Fair Experience
• Involved in the Canadian science fair movement since 1991, first attended a CWSF as chaperone
• Served as the Quebec Zone Representative on the National Science Fair Committee since 1992
• Member of the Youth Science Foundation / Youth Science Canada Board of Directors since 1996
• Member of the Board of Directors and Finance Committee of the 2006 CWSF Host Committee.
• Member of the Provincial Organizations Forum
• Involved in the development of regional, provincial and international activities. As results of her
involvement in promoting science and technology, Quebec is now considered as an international
leader with two main programs, Club des débrouillards and Science Fairs.
• General Secretary, Member of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Strategic
Planning Committee for the International Movement for Science and Technology in Leisure
Activities. Member of the Organizing Committee for the International Science Fair.
Professional Experience
• Worked in communications and government relations for 20 years, both in the private and public
sectors.
• Appointed in 1991 Executive Director of the Conseil de développement du loisir scientifique, an
organization that encourages interest in science and technology among young Quebecers. Her
mandate was initially to reorganize the structure of the regions and allow better communications
with the provincial organization. The main CDLS programs are: Club des débrouillards, Science
Fairs, Défi génie inventif and Junior Tech Challenge. The CDLS covered all the Quebec regions
with the CDLS-CLS Network – 9 regional offices – and serves more than 100 000 youngsters
from 6-20 years old.
• Publication BLD, editor of scientific magazines and books for youngsters. Chairman of the Board
of directors
Member of the Québec Government Conseil de la science et de la technologie Comité consultatif
• Member of the Board of Directors, Société pour la promotion de la science et de la technologie
• Member of the Board of directors, Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and
Treasurer of Science pour tous.
• Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Fédération internationale des
Petits Débrouillards
Youth Science Canada Vision
I strongly believe in the mission and the strategic planning put forward by Youth Science Canada and I
am proud to have been part in its revised vision of communicating with the members, the regions and the
CWSF HC. The new Governance model is also a great achievement to strengthen the organization. I am
sure that the Youth Science Canada credibility within the scientific communities will continue to rise and
new programs will be put forward to answer the needs of the regions. Working for the future of our
country is extremely rewarding and I hope you will give me the opportunity to serve you with the best of
my knowledge.
Steve Karrel - Truro, Nova Scotia (nominated by Michael Price, Nova Scotia)
Science Fair Experience
• Began his work with science fairs in 1987 when he organized and held a fair in his local junior
high school. The following year his students were entered at the regional level and two years later
one of his students attended the Canada Wide Science Fair.
• Over the years, more than 20 of his students have attended CWSF.
• Has attended each CWSF since the Regina Fair in 1997.
• Has worked on the Chignecto Central West Regional Science Fair Committee for many years and
has held positions as Chair, Vice- Chair, Secretary, Venue Co-ordinator, Awards Co-ordinator,
Master of Ceremonies and Fundraising Co-ordinator.
• Has presented science fair-themed sessions at many provincial conferences and regional inservices
for other educators. His goal for these sessions is to help other teachers use project
based learning techniques in their classroom, with science fair projects as a focus of his
discussion.
• Offers assistance to those who want to get their students involved with competition at science
fairs or wishing to start a fair at their school or in their region.
• From 2002 to 2007, co-chair for Canada Wide Science Fair 2007. His areas of responsibly
included, but were not limited to, working with and overseeing various chair people in the areas of
accommodations, arrivals, international guests, meals and banquets, ombudsman, sponsorship
recognition program, student events, special guests and VIP’s to ensure that all plans were in
place to provide a CWSF that would be remembered as outstanding by all participants. As well,
Steve and his co-chairs were responsible for all fundraising for the $861,000 budget.
• Is a founding member of Nova Scotia Youth Experiences in Science, which formed in 2000. This
provincial organization works to create enjoyable educational science experiences and
opportunities for Nova Scotia students. Steve has been a Board member since its inception. He
has served as Vice-Chair and is currently serving as Chair.
Professional Experience
• A junior high teacher who has taught math and science courses at all levels over his 30-year
career. As well, he has taught many other courses at some point. He has also held
positions during his career and has returned to his passion- teaching in the classroom. He will
retire in 2010.
• Besides his work in the classroom, he has been instrumental in initiating and running many
extracurricular activities such as a travel club, ski club, science club, field trip club and he has
served as a coach in volleyball, soccer, skiing and badminton.
• Has served on several professional committees including a regional school board technology
integration advisory committee, mathematics curriculum advisory committee, science curriculum
advisory committee, the Junior High Networking Committee and the Strategic Policy Committee
on Racism.
• Has planned and presented many in-services to staff while serving on these committees. He has
been responsible for introducing and mentoring school staffs in the use of computer
recordkeeping and report card generation.
Youth Science Canada Vision
• “As an educator, I strongly believe that students benefit from experiential learning and that
opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, competition and other special events are a natural
extension for this type of learning. Youth Science Canada is an organization whose stated
mission reflects my own beliefs.”
• “As a member of other boards, I understand the need to work effectively and collaboratively and
in the need to draw on diverse opinions and experiences to arrive at a collective decision to help
the organization fulfill its goals. While I think that the past has extremely important lessons to
teach us, I also firmly believe in focusing on the future. I believe that a proactive plan is always
better than a reactive response.”
Len Reimer - Delta, BC (nominated by Patti Leigh, BC)
Science Fair Experience
• CWSF History: 2005 Host Committee, Vancouver, Registrar, Editor, and contributing writer of
newsletter. 1991 Host Committee, Vancouver, co-organizer of all transportation and Vancouver
area tours. 1995, 2008, 2009 Delegate; 2007 Alternate Delegate; 1990, 2004 Future Host
• Distinguished Service Award, Youth Science Foundation Canada, 1996
• Creator and first Chair, Vancouver District Grade 7-12 Science Fair. In order to respond to the
growth of science fair participation and to avoid discouraging students for lack of an attainable
competitive exhibit forum, this Fair was created and now has about the same participation as the
parent Regional Fair to which selected students are encouraged to enter. Developed, assisted by
Dr. Joanne Melville, an annotated judging rubric still used at the District Fair.
• Creator and first chair, Vancouver District Science Celebration. This event encourages teachers
and students in Grades 4-7 to share their science fair project in a public forum (currently at Telus
World of Science, Vancouver). Developed self-assessment forms for experiment, studies,
innovations and collections for the Celebration.
• Former Chair, Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair. Implemented several innovative ideas
that expanded participation, especially from secondary schools; encouraged leadership among
volunteers; was chair when the Fair moved to its current home at UBC.
• Vancouver Recognition Award, Vancouver School Board for volunteer work in science (one of
only two principals to receive this award), 2004
• Judged at the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair.
• Sponsored and mentored many, many students who entered the Regional Science
Published author Science Celebration: A Resource Book for A Non-Competitive Approach to
Science Fair Project Work. (1994, ISBN 0969662300). In August 2007, the 2nd Edition was
published on-line.
Professional Experience
• Faculty of Education, U.B.C., Science Education Sessional Instructor September 2006 to present,
Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy.
• Elementary School Principal, Vancouver School Board (retired June 2006). Several experiences,
workshops and readings to develop leadership and empowerment skills.
• District Curriculum Associate (part time consultant) for five years, Vancouver School Board.
• Advising director and lesson editor, Scientists in Residence Program teaming scientists with
teachers to develop and teach a science unit with an elevated science content 2004-2008.
• 2007: Coordinated editing of scripts in the [Robert] Bateman Foundation “Get To Know Nature”
program.
• Presented science workshops at international, national, provincial, district and many at school
levels
• Charter Board Member, Science Fair Foundation B.C.
• Advisory Board Member, Scientists In Residence
• Board Member local organization
• CWSF Host Committee 1991, 2005
• School Principal
Youth Science Canada Vision
• “Engaging youth in science in Canada is opening doors of discovery, innovation, connection and
opportunity. Each of these benefits the participants, their current and future educational
institutions, their employers, and the industries they will inspire and lead.”
• “Innovation and application of ideas to create new understandings and new perspectives drives
our society forward with very tangible benefits for all. Through the opportunities and programs
sparked by the Youth Science Canada, students not only develop a foundation of ideas and
perspectives but also the process of innovation opens the doors to concepts, techniques and
procedures and products that benefit is all.”
• “Young persons who love science, mathematics and technology, who are very bright and very
focused all too often feel isolated and frustrated in the search for a social niche, a place to fit. The
opportunities created, supported and caused by the Youth Science Canada provide a way of
connecting these students together. Through programs like Smarts, students in isolated situations
can be brought together, supported, encouraged and connected.”
• “By providing opportunities for excellence, by encouraging science and technology programs and
events that engage our youth and by directing one of Canada’s great annual events, the Canada-
Wide Science Fair, Youth Science Canada is a catalyst for not only science but for a creative,
exciting surge of discovery and innovation across Canada.”
Farhad Seif - Mississauga, Ontario (self-nominated)
Science Fair Experience
• Member, Youth Science Foundation/ Youth Science Canada Board of Directors since 1999
• Chair, Youth Science Foundation/ Youth Science Canada Board of Directors, 2002 – 2004.
• As Chair, effected significant changes to the manner by which the organization was operating,
and set the tone for the new governance policy to be developed.
Participated in the development of many organization policies; served on a number of
committees.
• Participated with the Board in the transition to a new Youth Science Canada organization.
Professional Experience
Manger Environment, Health and Safety, Petro-Canada Lubricant Business Unit
• Direct report to Senior Director Environment, Health and Safety with functional report to Business
Unit VP
• Manage SHE department with 13 advisors (two Industrial Hygiene, three Environmental
Engineers, three Nurses, one Physician, two contractors, and two co-op students)
• Manage departmental budget of 1.5 Million Dollars, 80% salaries 20% projects, in addition
manages operating budget of 1.2 Million for business unit projects
• Provide Loss Management support for all Lubricant Operation in Canada, US, Europe and China
operations
• Monitor Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations and by-laws and report impacts to the
management
• Assist operation to interpret safety on the job observations and develop actions to reduce
incidents
• Maintain contact with government agencies (Deputy and Assistant Deputy Ministers levels)
• Promote marketing of Environmentally Friendly products
• Assist operation to maintain ISO 14001 certification
• Ensure compliance with all regulations and conduct audits
• Act as member of the Board of Directors of various industry associations
Other Experiences
• Chairman of the Canadian Advisory Committee under the auspices of the Canadian Standard
Association (CSA)
• Member of the Petroleum Association for the Conservation of the Canadian Environment (PACE)
Board of Director and the Executive Committee. Served as Vice President and President
• Member of the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) National Environment, Health and
Safety Committee
• Chair Environmental Advisory Committee at Humber College.
• Part time lecturer, Humber College
• Guest lecturer at Queen’s, Carlton and Waterloo Universities on various Environment and Health
related topics
Youth Science Canada Vision
• “I am able to bring both industry and management experience and connections to the
organization. I have worked in policy and advisory positions that require vision and pragmatism.”
• “I have worked in several growing volunteer organizations and have the time to commit to the
YSC. I also have a great passion for youth in science that, while it continues throughout the year,
is re-kindled at each CWSF.”
• “I joined the Board in 1999 and have served as Board Chair since 2002. During the two year
period, I worked with others to make significant changes in manner by which this organization
was operating, and set the tone for the new governance policy to be developed. I participated in
many organization policies, have served on a number of committees and have participated with
the Board in the transition to a new Youth Science Canada organization. The organization has
gone through significant growth and transition during that time and I have been privileged to work
with so many capable people as they helped to effect that growth and change.”
Special General Meeting – Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
If you are unable to attend the Special General Meeting but would like to vote in the Board of
Directors election, please return this proxy to arrive no later than Thursday, May 7, 2009.
TO SUBMIT THIS PROXY BALLOT YOU MAY:
1) SAVE and SEND it as an email attachment to: info@youthscience.ca, OR
2) PRINT and FAX it to: 416-341-0040; OR
3) PRINT and MAIL it to: Youth Science Canada, PO Box 523, Station R, Toronto, ON M4G 4E1
Alternatively, it may be hand-delivered to the Youth Science Canada office at the Canada-Wide
Science Fair – Room 217A, University Centre, University of Manitoba – by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May
12th, 2009.
====================================================================
Winnipeg Free Press Sept 2010
 | |||
| PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS | John Jack and Alastair (left) and Matthew | Komus are science fair volunteers |
Over the course of John Jack's 40-year teaching career he saw many of
his students go on to successful futures as scientists, engineers and
doctors.
Although Jack said it was their strong drive that got his
students to where they want to be, he likes to think that
participating in science fairs helped them along their path,
developing special skills and confidence.
Involved as a volunteer with science fairs for the past 35
years, Jack believes so strongly in what the competitions can
do for students that he now serves as the president of the
Manitoba School Science Symposium, as well as the co-chair
of the upcoming Canada-Wide Science Fair.
The national science fair will be held in Winnipeg for the first
time since 1988, from May 9 to 17, hosting more than 450
competitors. Despite retiring as a principal five years ago,
Jack said he loves that he still has the opportunity to shape
students' futures.
"I get satisfaction knowing that I continue to do what I can to provide the opportunity for youngsters,
because I know from the Third World country where I am from, many of the students there would have
wished that they had this type of opportunity," said Jack, who came to Canada from the Caribbean
country St. Vincent in 1969.
Now, in addition to trying to make a difference in the lives of students, the Order of Manitoba recipient is
also working to groom the next generation of volunteers.
Alastair Komus, 26, is a former science fair participant, who now serves as the co-chair of the Manitoba
School Science Symposium and the volunteer co-ordinator for the Canada-Wide Science Fair. An
engineer-in-training at Composites Innovation Centre and a University of Manitoba masters student,
Komus credits his participation in the fairs for his academic success, and said that he has enjoyed
working with Jack for the past few years.
"Having been a student involved, and realizing how important it was to where I ended up going, (it's
important) to then give back to that and promote it," said Komus.
He said that a large number of former competitors now volunteer, including his brother Matthew Komus,
who is helping as the assistant volunteer co-ordinator. "I think for a lot of people it made a difference
too, they want to get back involved and help out and make it happen."
Jack said that it's people like Komus who will ensure that the events continue and the calibre remains
high, especially since Manitoba has a big reputation to uphold.
"1988 was one of the best science fairs ever so we are hoping we can continue that tradition," said
Jack, one of only two people from the 1988 organizing committee still involved.
"I'm providing some leadership and some opportunity for youngsters to take over leadership, and
hopefully I'm providing some mentorship. On our committee of 30 I would say about 22 are under 40
years old and quite a number are under 30. There's a lot of young people getting involved."
Volunteers are required to fill a number of positions for the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Orientations will
take place on May 2 at 2 p.m. and May 3-4 at 7 p.m.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer for the Canada-Wide Science Fair, please
email volunteers@cwsf2009.ca. More information can also be found online at www.cwsf2009.ca.
If you know a special volunteer who strives to make their community a better place to live, please
contact Erin Madden at erinmadden@shaw.ca.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities advertised in the Winnipeg area. For more information
about these listings, please contact the person/organization directly. You may also call (204) 477-5180
ext. 221 to set up an appointment to see an interviewer at Volunteer Manitoba. Email
vmreferral@mts.net or visit our website (www.volunteermanitoba.ca) for other volunteer opportunities.
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The Sudbury Star
Students participate in Canada-Wide Science Fair in Manitoba
May 9-17
Students participate in Canada-Wide Science Fair in Manitoba May
9-17
Posted By macmac
1 year ago
A number of students from Rainbow Schools will participate in the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Winnipeg, Manitoba from
May 9th to 17th, 2009. They will be among the top young scientists in Grades 7 to 12 chosen from approximately 25,000
competitors at 100 regional science and technology fairs from across the country.
“We congratulate all winners of the Sudbury Regional Science
Fair and the North Channel Science Fair,” said Rainbow
District School Board Chair Judy Hunda. “We wish our
Canada-Wide Science Fair participants all the best at the
national level.”
Joshua Semeniuk and Nick Houle from A.B. Ellis Public
School will showcase their project entitled Solar vs Wind. They
captured second overall at the North Channel Science Fair at
the Villa Française des Jeunes in Elliot Lake on April 4th,
2009. They also received a Physical Science Award and the
Hydro One Ambassador Award.
Joshua Semeniuk and Nick Houle tested solar power and wind
power to determine which power source would generate the
greatest output. They created a wind turbine and solar panel to
conduct their testing.
Spencer Young and Connor Sanders of MacLeod Public School will feature their project called "Material Matters" which
captured first place in the Junior Division Physical Sciences Category at the Sudbury Regional Science Fair held at
Laurentian University April 4th and 5th. They also won the Environmental Award, the Innovation Award and the NSERC Award.
In their project, Spencer Young and Connor Sanders attempted to find a more eco-friendly material with the same or greater
qualities as a normal plastic bag. They created a completely natural, homemade biodegradable plastic, which was tested
against the top plastic bags.
Three students from R.L. Beattie Public School were also selected to attend the Canada-Wide Science Fair. This is the fifth
consecutive year, with a total of eight projects, that students from R.L. Beattie Public School have been selected to represent
the Sudbury area at the national level.
Colin Roos, who captured first place in the Junior Division Engineering Category, will showcase his project entitled “The
Chlorofilter”. “The Chlorofilter uses plant photosynthesis to put in a car so that oxygen, rather than carbon dioxide, is emitted.
This would reverse the effect of global warming on earth,” he explains. He adds: “This idea was divided into four phases. Last
year, phase one was to test how effective land plants were at exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen. This year’s project is
phase two, testing algae in the same manner.” Colin Roos also won the Bill Roman Award, Via Rail Canada’s EnviroExpo
Special Award and the LU Engineering Award.
Tyler Landry, who won second place in the Junior Division Engineering Category, developed a project called “E-Z Glide Sliding
Rail Anchor”. “When a railway bridge needs to be repaired or inspected, workers use Sliding Rail Anchors to secure
themselves to the bridge,” explains Tyler Landry. “Not only are these anchors supposed to secure workers, they should also
slide so the workers can work along the bridge. The current anchors do not slide!” He proposed the E-Z Glide Sliding Rail
Anchor as the solution. “It incorporates roller bearings, allowing it to glide easily and safely on the track,” he says. Tyler Landry
also won the Sudbury Mining Week Award.
North Channel Science Fair winners from Rainbow Schools
Second Overall
Physical Science Award
2009 Hydro One Ambassador Award
Project: Solar vs Wind
Students: Joshua Semeniuk and Nick Houle
School: A.B. Ellis Public School
Third Overall
Junior Life Science Award
Ontario Board of Medical Laboratories Award
Project: C.S.I. Espanola
Student: Shelby Clairmont and Jocelyn Powers
School: A.B. Ellis Public School
Sudbury Regional Science Fair winners from Rainbow Schools
Junior Division – Engineering
First Place
Project: The Chlorofilter
Student: Colin Roos
School: R. L. Beattie Public School
Second Place
Project: E-Z Glide Sliding Rail Anchor
Student: Tyler Landry
School: R. L. Beattie Public School
Third Place
Project: Eco Paper
Student: Elspeth Cudmore
School: MacLeod Public School
Junior Division - Life Sciences
Second Place
Project: Common Courtesies
Students: Danielle Provencher and Soheila Homayed
School: Carl A. Nesbitt Public School
Third Place
Project: The Science of Lying
Student: Bronwyn Novak
School: MacLeod Public School
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UNESCO Annual Report
Canada-Wide Science Fair, Winnipeg
The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF), organized by the
Youth Science Foundation, is the largest extra-curricular youth
activity related to science and technology in the country.
Each year, it brings together some 450 top young scientists
who have been chosen from nearly 100 regional science and
technology fairs held across Canada.
The Commission again sponsored the “Canadian Commission
for UNESCO Award for Science for Peace and Development”
for an outstanding project addressing science in the service
of humanity (including basic human needs, the environment
and sustainable development, peace and conflict resolution,
science education, science and policy or science and ethics).
This year’s winner was Corey Harrison of Winnipeg, for his
project “Utilizing Wind and Solar Power.” He chose this
project in response to the challenges of global warming and
the need to develop alternate sources of energy. Mr. Ray
Frey, President of the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve,
represented the Commission as a member of the jury for
the Prize.
As the winner of the Commission’s award, Corey Harrison
participated as a member of Team Canada in the Expo-
Sciences Internationale (ESI), an event organised by MILSET
(French acronym for the International Movement for Leisure
Activities in Science and Technology), held in July in Tunisia.
MILSET promotes youth engagement in science through
a non-competitive science project exhibition and strongly
supports the development of excellence in youth science by
focussing on the global nature of science and technology,
the importance of networking, collaboration, and effectively
communicating science.
With a significant new donation provided by the Nuclear Waste
Management Organization (NWMO) together with funding
from the Province of Ontario, Hydro-Québec and the Canadian
Commission for UNESCO, Youth Science Canada was able
to help 46 students from Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick,
Manitoba and Saskatchewan to participate in the 2009 Team
Canada-MILSET Expo-Sciences International in Tunisia.
At the closing of the MILSET Expo-Sciences International,
Team Canada-MILSET was awarded the Enrique Padilla
Award, recognizing the best delegation at the biennial
international youth science event. The team was selected on
the basis of the quality of their projects, team organization,
spirit, and their overall contribution to the Expo, which hosted
nearly 1000 young scientists from over 40 countries.
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Watermark - British Columbia Water and Waste Association
Winter 2008-2009
Stockholm Junior Water Prize –
2008 Canadian Winner
Ariane Litalien and Janie Coté from Sorel-Tracy, Quebec
The winning project, ‘E-light-minating the thirst: Improving a
solar water disinfection method using a physical approach’ is
summarized by the students:
“Waterborne diseases are currently the number one cause of
death globally, killing a child every fifteen seconds. In order to
provide freshwater supplies, scientists have developed a solar water
disinfection (SODIS) method that uses sunlight. Unfortunately,
SODIS presents several critical unsolved problems that are healththreatening
for millions of people. The purpose of this research
was to improve the SODIS system in an accessible way. The first
approach was theoretical research. Scientific papers were used to
identify, study, and understand the SODIS problems. A manual
centrifuge, insulating box and optical system were then designed.
Next, several experiments were conducted and their results suggested
that the new method improves the microbiological quality of the
treated water. Escherichia Coli-contaminated water was used to
compare the new system’s efficiency to standard SODIS under real
sunlight conditions. It was suggested that the time taken by the new
disinfection method could be one hour shorter. The designed system
eliminates SODIS problems such as the inability to treat large or
turbid volumes of water. Finally, the results along with the designed
method’s future development, social, and innovative aspects were
discussed, and complementary experiments conducted with several
different pathogens were suggested.”
Cindy Toth (Town of Oakville), 2008 Chair of the CSJWP
Committee, André Bourque (CH2M HILL Canada – Ottawa
Office), Dr. Onita Basu (Carleton University) and Lise Auger
(Cégep de Chicoutimi), were part of the judging panel for the
CSJWP at the Canada-Wide Science Fair held in Ottawa May
13-17.
The panel was responsible for reviewing twelve entries that
self-nominated for the CSJWP competition. These projects
involved 15 students of the 450 students from Grade 7-12
participating in the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Participants in
this Fair are invited based on success at nearly 100 regional
science and technology fairs from across the country.
Of the twelve entries that were reviewed, three were selected
to proceed with the preparation of a technical paper which
follows the format required by the SJWP competition. These
technical papers from the three CSJWP competitors have been
reviewed by the panel.
Two of the three selected entries that vied for the CSJWP
were projects based on using sunlight to disinfect drinking
water in developing countries. Haley Robinson from La Ronge,
Saskatchewan reported the experimental results in her project:
‘Sanitary Sunshine: Put to the Test’. Ariane Litalien and Janie
Coté from Sorel-Tracy, Quebec presented their research and
results in ‘E-light-minating the thirst: Improving a solar water
disinfection method using a physical approach’. The third
was a project by Muhammad Waja from North Bay, Ontario,
entitled ‘Remediation Sensation’ that investigated options for
treating wastewater from textile plants.
The students with the top-rated paper have been selected
and the winners are sixteen-year olds, Ariane and Janie, of
the Fernand-Lefebvre High School in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec.
They will represent Canada in the International SJWP contest
held during the World Water Week, August 16 – 22, 2008, in
Stockholm, Sweden. The two other competitors receive $300 to
reward their successful selection to compete for the CSJWP.
The International Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition
is sponsored by the Stockholm International Water Institute
(SIWI), which is a policy institute that seeks sustainable
solutions to the world’s water crisis. SIWI manages
projects, synthesizes research and publishes findings and
recommendations on current and future water, environment,
governance and human development issues. For more
information, see www.siwi.org.
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