CWSF 2010, May 16-23, in Peterborough, Ontario.
==================================================================
Team Quinte 2010
Team Quinte » for CWSF 2010: from left to right:
Kiwanis,Johnathon Butler,Justin Whitaker,Emmanuelle Bérubé,Dan Manning,Emilie Leneveu,
Kiwanis,Johnathon Butler,Justin Whitaker,Emmanuelle Bérubé,Dan Manning,Emilie Leneveu,
Education Minister Leona Dombrowsky,Elanor Pound
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Future Engineers
By Jana Levison
A long way from memories of baking soda and vinegar volcanoes,
I had the privilege to judge at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in May
2010 in Peterborough, Ontario. The students truly amazed me. The
nearly 500 participants from Grades 7 to 12/Cégep presented science
and engineering projects on a wide range of topics, including renewable
energy technologies, carbon sequestration, green buildings,
recycling and environmental restoration. It is very encouraging that
these future engineers and scientists are so in tune with what is
happening in the world around them and are making important
science and social connections at an early age. Let us all help them
continue in this direction.
===========================================================
SSC Liason
Canada-Wide Science Fair Winners
The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is an annual event that brings together the winners of over one hundred regional or provincial science fairs across Canada to compete at the national level. This past May, the city of Peterborough and Trent University were host to the largest event in the fair’s 49-year history.
The SSC sponsors a $1000 prize to be awarded to “an outstanding senior project in statistical theory, or one that makes use of sound statistical techniques in study design, data analysis, and data presentation.” Candidates for the award are self-nominated and this year the winning project had to be selected among thirteen nominees. The winners were Michael Shao and Danielle Xu, with their project “Cytotoxicity of Dandelion Extracts on Melanoma Cells.” For the second year in a row, the recipients of the SSC prize represented Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in Vancouver. Michael and Danielle explored the potential inhibitory effects of dandelion extracts on the growth of melanoma cells. They performed a well-designed experiment in which three cell lines (two cancerous and one control) were treated with dandelion extracts from three species at different concentrations. They analysed their data using ANOVA, and supported their results visually with very illuminating graphs. Listening to their explanation of ANOVA was a real pleasure – assumptions, details in calculations and even Type I and Type II errors were all properly addressed. Their experiments, for which they also received a bronze medal in the CWSF Senior Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science Division, allowed them to identify a leaf extract from one dandelion species that has promising cancer-inhibiting properties. Michael and Danielle plan to continue their research in the hope of identifying the specific compound that is responsible for the inhibitory effect they have observed.
The interdisciplinary nature of the SSC award attracted other deserving nominees. For instance, “Un traitement à ne pas oublier” tested the potential therapeutic properties of a coffee extract in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease; “Another Tale My Grandfather Told Me” showed that polluted water can be made potable by filtering it through oregano; and the very timely “The Effect of Mycelium and Different Substrates on the Degradation of Oil” experimented with oyster mushrooms in order to degrade oil after oil spills.
Although only participants in the Senior Division are eligible for the SSC award, it should be noted that “the use of sound statistical techniques in study design, data analysis, and data presentation” is prevalent across all age groups. Through its support of the CWSF, the SSC is carrying out its mission by promoting awareness of the value of statistical thinking among Canadian youth.
Michelle Boué
Trent University
================================================================
Focus Trent Sept 2008
Life-Changing Experience Brings
Grad Student to Trent
Trent-Queen’s Graduate Program student Mark Dzurko has
a love of science. It is this love of science he is committed
to passing on to students across the country as co-chair
of the organizing committee for the 2010 Canada Wide Science
Fair, which will be hosted in Peterborough by Trent University in
partnership with the Peterborough Regional Science Fair.
Mr. Dzurko’s love of science and involvement in the
Canada Wide Science Fair began in high school, as a student at
Adam Scott C.V.I. in Peterborough. As a high school student, he
participated in the 1998 Canada Wide Fair in Timmins and won
a gold medal in the Senior
Life Sciences division. In
addition to the medal, he
was awarded a scholarship
to study at the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science in
Rehovot, Israel for a summer.
For Mr. Dzurko, the opportunity to be a participant in the
national science fair was “life changing.” He recalls an influential
high school science teacher who gave him the opportunity
to study ‘real science’ geared towards undergraduate science
studies. That teacher encouraged him to enter the fair and set
him up to work on his project at Trent with renowned professor
and researcher Dr. Doug Evans.
“I was headed toward a completely different field to a
completely different university and my experience with that
project at the 1998 fair changed my focus to chemistry and
environmental science and to Trent,” he says. “Working on the
project in Prof. Evans’ laboratory exposed me to the equipment
and expertise available at Trent. I see the 2010 Canada Wide
Science Fair as an opportunity to give someone else that
exposure to Trent University.”
Mr. Dzurko has since translated his positive science fair
experiences into an academic career at Trent, where he has not
only completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees, but has
also been involved in the Peterborough Regional Science Fair,
held at the University every spring.
The desire to provide young students with the opportunity
to explore real science is what drives Mr. Dzurko to undertake
such great responsibility while, at the same time, also focussing
on his Ph.D. through the Trent-Queen’s collaborative graduate
program. Supervised by Dr. Holger Hintelmann, Mr. Dzurko
conducts his research in the state-of-the-art Worsfold Water
Quality Centre at Trent where he uses high precision isotope ratio
measurements of mercury to track methyl mercury in aquatic
food webs. The goal of his research is to be able to trace mercury
in fish to the point sources of that contamination, helping to
provide necessary data for policy makers to better regulate
mercury emission.
In addition to working on his demanding Ph.D. and
offering his expertise to the 2010 Science Fair committee, Mr.
Dzurko is also going to share his scientific expertise with the
Peterborough community later this fall as a panel member at the
popular Inside Trent: Lunch
with the Experts speaker
series. At the event, to be
held on November 13, 2008, Mr. Dzurko will join Trent professor Maggie Xenopolous and the inaugural Roberta Bondar Post-doctoral Fellow Derek Mueller to discuss environmental issues surrounding the world’s water. “Inside Trent is a chance for the community to get an inside view of research at Trent and provides researchers the opportunity to discuss their views. It gives the community a chance to understand current environmental issues. It’s a chance for them to gain a better understanding from a scientific perspective,” Mr. Dzurko explains. “We take for granted the environment around us. The more we know about the fragile world around us, the more we will respect it.”
============================================================
Canada-Wide Science Fair 2010, May 16-23, in Peterborough, Ontario.
Leslie Bothwell and Jenny Tian were awarded a Senior Biotechnology and
Pharmaceutical Sciences Honourable Mention ($100).
Mackenzie Carter was awarded a Senior Engineering Gold Medal ($1500), a
University of Ottawa $20,000 ($5000/yr for 4 yrs) Entrance Scholarship, a Dalhousie
University Faculty of Science $4000 Entrance Scholarship,and a University of Western
Ontario $2000 Entrance Scholarship. Mackenzie earned the International Summer
School for Young Physicists Award ($2500). The award consists of a full scholarship to
participate in the International Summer School for Young Physicists 2010 (ISSYP 2010)
from July 8-24, an intensive two week enrichment program that will introduce students
to the fascinating picture of our universe as seen through the eyes of contemporary
physicists: from the bizarre quantum world of atoms and subatomic particles to black
holes, warped spacetime and the expanding universe. Students will also interact with
professional physicists at Perimeter Institute in small group mentoring sessions,
participate in field trips to interesting science related destinations in the region and
forge new friendships with like minded young people from around the world. The
scholarship includes room and board and travel expenses to and from the Institute.
Total value $2500. Sponsor: Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Zach Elgood was awarded an Intermediate Earth and Environmental Sciences Bronze
Medal ($300), and a University of Western Ontario $1000 Entrance Scholarship.
Sophia Oke and Noorain Shethwala were awarded a Senior Health Sciences Bronze
Medal ($300), a University of Western Ontario $1000 Entrance Scholarship, and a
University of Ottawa $1000 Entrance Scholarship.
Young researchers from the Waterloo-Wellington Science and Engineering Fair won a
total of $4700 in awards and $29000 in scholarships.
=====================================================================
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/friendly+bacteria+tires+ear.
By Conal Pierse, Edmonton Journal May 27, 2010
Last summer, while many teens were enjoying their vacations, Kyle Schole was consulting with experts in Canada, Scotland
and Australia for a science fair project.
His project, which involved using bacteria to generate electricity from decomposing tires, won him a gold medal at the
Canada-wide science fair, as well as a Young Canadian Innovation Award from the Ernest C. Manning Foundation.
Schole will receive $6,000 in cash prizes and a $10,000 scholarship to the Canadian university of his choice. He was also
offered entrance scholarships to several universities.
"I'm a very curious guy -- whether it's tinkering on the farm with my dad or working on science projects," said Schole. "So
I'm often thinking, 'What would be a neat thing to test and improve on?' "
The 17-year-old, who lives on a farm south of Westlock, said he started thinking about the idea while driving past a tire
recycling plant.
According to the Alberta recycling management authority, Albertans discard more than five million tires each year, though
most are turned into products such as speed bumps or rubber surfacing.
Tires in landfills take a long time to break down and pose a fire hazard, so Schole wanted to find a natural way to dispose of
the waste.
He decided to try isolating rubber-eating strains of bacteria, but since most farms aren't equipped to deal with biohazardous
material, he had to ask the Westlock Health Care Centre for access to their laboratory equipment.
He used the bacteria to create a microbial fuel cell, which converts the chemical energy from the tire's breakdown into
electricity.
Bruce Fenwick, executive director of the Manning Foundation, said he was impressed with Schole's work.
"He's thinking out of the box here and trying to solve several problems at once," said Fenwick. "It's a lot different from
anything else we looked at, and he's done a lot of research and worked it through."
The Manning Foundation gives out $165,000 in awards each year, $20,000 of which goes to young innovators. Fenwick said
encouraging creative thinking is an important part of Canada's future.
"Young innovators are our future," said Fenwick. "We need them. A lot of us are going to retire some day, and we need
Canada to remain strong and competitive. And innovation is a big part of that."
Schole's project took seven months to complete, and he estimates he spent about 400 hours on it. The self-proclaimed
"science fair maniac" said while the work might seem excessive, it's very rewarding.
"It's just something that I love to do," he said. "If I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it."
==========================================================
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.
==================================================================
YOUTH SCIENCE MONTH /
MOIS DU FESTIVAL SCIENCES JEUNESSE
Hon. John Milloy: March is Youth Science Month in Canada, and I stand here today,
actually, in my capacity as Minister of Research and Innovation. It’s with
great pride that I rise to ask all sides of the House to join me in celebrating
the achievements, the curiosity and the promise of Ontario’s young people who
are involved in the sciences.MOIS DU FESTIVAL SCIENCES JEUNESSE
We’re very honoured to have a number of leaders in the field of youth science here with us today at Queen’s Park, including from Let’s Talk Science, Dr. Bonnie Schmidt; from Youth Science Canada, Reni Barlow and Sharon Gregory; from Bioscience Education Canada, Dr. Alison Symington, Jeff Graham and Rick Levick; and from Youth Science Ontario, Carolyn Rayfield. We welcome them here and thank them for their leadership in this important field.
Every year, over 500,000 young Canadians participate in project-based science. That’s as many as play minor hockey or about the population of Hamilton. This month, youth from across our province have been showcasing their work at science fairs, such as the 50th Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair and the Windsor regional fair, both of which took place just a few days ago. These young people have been competing to earn a coveted spot at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, which will be hosted in Peterborough this May.
Ontario students also get to showcase their immense talent at the international level. Next week, for example, I will be speaking at the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge awards ceremony. This event is one of Ontario’s premier youth science mentorship programs, and Canadian winners move on to an international biotechnology competition in Chicago this May.
Les temps sont durs en matière d’économie—c’est indiscutable. Mais nous nous trouvons à un moment décisif de notre histoire, un moment où nous avons l’occasion de prendre une longueur d’avance en créant des approches, des technologies et des solutions scientifiques face aux problèmes du 21e siècle.
Ce sont nos jeunes, la prochaine génération de scientifiques et d’entrepreneurs innovateurs, qui, en prenant des risques, nous hisseront à des niveaux que nous n’aurions jamais pu imaginer.
Former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan once said, “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.... Empowered, they can be key agents for development.” He was right, and Ontario is committed to supporting and inspiring our youth so that they become the drivers of innovation in our province and all around the world.
Young people like Erik Yao: Erik was a high school student from Hamilton who won a Canada-Wide Science Fair award and went on to participate in one of Ontario’s youth programs. Before this, he was unsure of his career aspirations. But now, after getting the opportunity to work alongside leading Ontario immunology researchers, Erik is pursuing an education in medical science.
Since 2005, the Ministry of Research and Innovation has invested over $5 million to support science outreach projects which have sparked the scientific curiosity of more than 156,000 youth across the province—young people like Erik.
In addition, our government was proud to support the work of Youth Science Canada and Let’s Talk Science with an investment of $5 million in 2008. These amazing organizations are supporting science and technology education in remote and aboriginal communities, enabling Ontario youth to participate in science fairs and championing more young people to advance to national and international competitions. Let’s Talk Science is even reaching out to children between six months and six years old with their Wings of Discovery science program. This program recognizes that during the early years children are asking the questions and acquiring the knowledge and attitudes that will drive their curiosity and cognitive development in the future. Like Let’s Talk Science, in Ontario we have our eye on the future.
Si nous voulons que l’Ontario devienne un chef de file économique, nous savons qu’il nous faut être chef de file en matière d’éducation. Pour affronter la concurrence mondiale, il nous faut une population active très instruite et hautement spécialisée.
By moving ahead with full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds and strengthening Ontario’s colleges and universities, our new five-year Open Ontario plan is laying the foundation for the powerful and productive workforce of tomorrow. We are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders, for tomorrow’s scientists and engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators. We are laying the foundation for students like Erik, who will be finding the solutions to global challenges like climate change and water scarcity and the fight against diseases like cancer.
With our support, there is no doubt that Ontario’s youth will succeed, and when our kids win, we all win.
============================================================
Students in the News | University of Alberta – Division of Human Nutrition
Viane Faily - An Edmonton high school student has been chosen to represent Team Alberta at the Canada-wide science fair in Peterborough this May.
=================================================================
Showcase - Leading Edge teaching and research at Trent
Spring 2010
2010 Canada-Wide Science Fair Comes to Peterborough in May
The single largest event to be hosted by
Trent University is coming in May 2010.
The 49th annual CanadaWide Science Fair
(CWSF), being held in Peterborough and at
Trent from May 15 to 23, will bring 1,700
visitors to the area.
Over the course of one week, 500 student
participants in Grades Seven to 12 from all
provinces and territories will showcase their
projects for judges, local schoolchildren and the
public. The students not only compete for close
to $1 million in scholarships and grants, but they
also foster friendships with fellow students from across the country.
Trent University will play host to a full slate of events including opening and closing
banquets, a gala awards ceremony, and tours of the province's scientific and cultural
attractions. The participants and their delegates will be staying at the University
residences and the projects will be displayed at the Evinrude Center.
“This national celebration of science will attract some of the brightest and most
intelligent young minds from across Canada,” says Mark Dzurko, co-chair of the
organizing committee. “We can't wait to show them what Trent and the City of
Peterborough have to offer and hopefully they will return to the area. Our hope is also to
encourage more local students to explore science and participate in the Peterborough
Regional Science Fair.”
Mr. Dzurko knows first-hand of the benefits of being involved with science fairs,
both at a regional and national level. In high school, he competed and won in the CWSF.
A graduate of Trent University, Mr. Dzurko, a professor of Applied Environmental
Chemistry at Fleming College, is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Environmental
Chemistry in the Queen's/Trent graduate program. He attributes many of his research
interests to his time as a science fair participant.
Participants in the CWSF are finalists from regional fairs that were held across the
country. Students will compete in a variety of categories, including life sciences, health
sciences, physical sciences, biotechnology, engineering, computer science and the
recently added environmental innovation category. Judges, drawn from the academic and
research communities, hundreds of chaperones and many volunteers will help make the
week a success.
The event is hosted by the Peterborough Regional Science Fair Inc., and organized by
a committee of volunteers, in collaboration with Trent University and the City of
Peterborough. The CWSF is organized by a Host Committee of volunteers and run under
the guidance ofYouth Science Canada (YSC).
Be a Science Fair Volunteer!
Judges and volunteers are still needed.
To volunteer as a judge (there is a need for as many as
500 judges!), forward your name, contact number, and
email address to: Dr. Brian Patrick at ChiefJudge2010@gmail.com
For more information on becoming a CWSF volunteer, contact
Carolyn Jonkman at volunteer@cwsf2010.ca
===================================================================
PETERBOROUGH WELCOMES CANADA AND THE WORLD IN 2010
Media Release - Feb. 10, 2010 - Peterborough area economic development corporation
[PETERBOROUGH] In 2010, Peterborough will welcome meeting and event groups from across Canada and around the globe. Businesses, volunteers and residents will roll out the red carpet for many events, a sampling of some of the large events are listed below:
2010 Canada-Wide Science Fair, May 15 – 23
Number of visitors: 1700 (500 participants and their chaperones, parents, sponsors and judges)
Website: http://www.cwsf2010.ca/
Gina Collins, co-chair for the 2010 Canada-Wide Science Fair said, “we are excited to welcome over 500 brilliant young scientists and their families to the area. Throughout the week we will encourage participants to enjoy all that Peterborough has to offer, from fabulous dining to world-class attractions.”
====================================================================
================================================================
LIANA ELIZABETH BROWN
Curriculum Vitae
July 14, 2010
Judge, Canada-Wide Science Fair, Peterborough, Ontario, 2010.
=================================================================
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO
ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO
Tuesday 30 March 2010 Mardi 30 mars 2010
YOUTH SCIENCE MONTH /
MOIS DU FESTIVAL SCIENCES JEUNESSE
Hon. John Milloy: March is Youth Science Month in Canada, and I stand here today, actually, in my
capacity as Minister of Research and Innovation. It’s with great pride that I rise to ask all sides of the
House to join me in celebrating the achievements, the curiosity and the promise of Ontario’s young
people who are involved in the sciences.
We’re very honoured to have a number of leaders in the field of youth science here with us today at
Queen’s Park, including from Let’s Talk Science, Dr. Bonnie Schmidt; from Youth Science Canada,
Reni Barlow and Sharon Gregory; from Bioscience Education Canada, Dr. Alison Symington, Jeff
Graham and Rick Levick; and from Youth Science Ontario, Carolyn Rayfield. We welcome them here
and thank them for their leadership in this important field.
Every year, over 500,000 young Canadians participate in project-based science. That’s as many as
play minor hockey or about the population of Hamilton. This month, youth from across our province
have been showcasing their work at science fairs, such as the 50th Bay Area Science and
Engineering Fair and the Windsor regional fair, both of which took place just a few days ago. These
young people have been competing to earn a coveted spot at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, which
will be hosted in Peterborough this May.
Ontario students also get to showcase their immense talent at the international level. Next week, for
example, I will be speaking at the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge awards ceremony. This event
is one of Ontario’s premier youth science mentorship programs, and Canadian winners move on to
an international biotechnology competition in Chicago this May.
Les temps sont durs en matière d’économie—c’est indiscutable. Mais nous nous trouvons à un
moment décisif de notre histoire, un moment où nous avons l’occasion de prendre une longueur
d’avance en créant des approches, des technologies et des solutions scientifiques face aux
problèmes du 21e siècle.
Ce sont nos jeunes, la prochaine génération de scientifiques et d’entrepreneurs innovateurs, qui, en
prenant des risques, nous hisseront à des niveaux que nous n’aurions jamais pu imaginer.
Former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan once said, “Young people
should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.... Empowered, they can be key agents
for development.” He was right, and Ontario is committed to supporting and inspiring our youth so
that they become the drivers of innovation in our province and all around the world.
Young people like Erik Yao: Erik was a high school student from Hamilton who won a Canada-Wide
Science Fair award and went on to participate in one of Ontario’s youth programs. Before this, he
was unsure of his career aspirations. But now, after getting the opportunity to work alongside
leading Ontario immunology researchers, Erik is pursuing an education in medical science.
Since 2005, the Ministry of Research and Innovation has invested over $5 million to support science
outreach projects which have sparked the scientific curiosity of more than 156,000 youth across the
province—young people like Erik.
In addition, our government was proud to support the work of Youth Science Canada and Let’s Talk
Science with an investment of $5 million in 2008. These amazing organizations are supporting
science and technology education in remote and aboriginal communities, enabling Ontario youth to
participate in science fairs and championing more young people to advance to national and
international competitions. Let’s Talk Science is even reaching out to children between six months
and six years old with their Wings of Discovery science program. This program recognizes that
during the early years children are asking the questions and acquiring the knowledge and attitudes
that will drive their curiosity and cognitive development in the future. Like Let’s Talk Science, in
Ontario we have our eye on the future.
Si nous voulons que l’Ontario devienne un chef de file économique, nous savons qu’il nous faut être
chef de file en matière d’éducation. Pour affronter la concurrence mondiale, il nous faut une
population active très instruite et hautement spécialisée.
By moving ahead with full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds and strengthening Ontario’s
colleges and universities, our new five-year Open Ontario plan is laying the foundation for the
powerful and productive workforce of tomorrow. We are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders,
for tomorrow’s scientists and engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators. We are laying the foundation
for students like Erik, who will be finding the solutions to global challenges like climate change and
water scarcity and the fight against diseases like cancer.
With our support, there is no doubt that Ontario’s youth will succeed, and when our kids win, we all win.
=================================================================
Aquifer recover and bio-binding projects win at
regional Science Fair
Released by the Communications Officer on March 29th, 2010
How does aquifer recovery work? What is bio-binding? Johnathon Butler, Stirling
Senior Public School, and Justin Whitaker, Moira Secondary School, know the
answers. They are the creators of two award-winning projects at the Quinte
Regional Science & Technology Fair.
The 51st Annual Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair (QRSTF) took place
at Loyalist College in Belleville, Saturday, March 27, 2010. Approximately 200
colourful, well researched projects were on display from Grade 4 to 12 students
from schools throughout Hastings and Prince Edward counties. Students competed
for awards in several categories as they made presentations to 90 volunteer
judges. The judges spoke with students to learn about the project prior to coming
up with an evaluation. As part of the judging process every student received a
written list of comments on how to improve future projects.
Numerous other volunteers helped out behind the scenes Patron and Major
sponsors provided funds to help send five finalists to the Canada Wide Science
Fair, www.cwsf2010.ca, while other sponsors supplied prizes in the form of cash,
trophies and, new for this year, a telescope.
The most endearing part of the QRSTF is the enthusiasm of the students. As soon
as they are asked about their projects they enthusiastically explain their theories,
results and every step along the way.
Pat Findlay, QRSTF Chief Judge said, “As always, I am impressed by the calibre of
the projects and the technical excellence shown. The students this year
maintained and often exceeded the past levels. It is the sheer brilliance of the
work and the chance to meet so many wonderful students that keeps me coming
back. Amazing work by all!”
Throughout the morning, students were interviewed extensively during the first
round of judging. First, Second, Third and Honourable Mentions, were awarded to
each group of five to eight projects. A second round of judging was used to
determine the best in each grade, specialty awards and the Canada Wide Science
Fair awards.
Allan Nursall of the Discovery Channel put on an excellent presentation on various
science concepts and later was the master of ceremonies at the awards
ceremony.
For Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, the best in grade winners
this year were:
Kurtis Wright, Grade 6, Bayside Public School, for his project Go Wash Your
Hands
Johnathon Butler, Grade 8, Stirling Senior Public School, for his project
Aquifer Recovery
Justin Whitaker, Grade 9 - 12, Moira Secondary School, for his project
Bio-Binding: A Microbial Precipit-Action
Congratulations to Jonathon Butler and Justin Whitaker who were selected as
finalists to compete in the Canada Wide Science Fair scheduled for May, 2010 in Peterborough.
=================================================================
Students on Ice
Barry's Bay, ON
Alyssa Borutski is a recent graduate from Madawaska
Valley District High School in Barry's Bay, Ontario. In
the fall a short ten days after her return from the Arctic
she will be embarking on yet another journey. She will be
moving to Halifax to pursue her post-secondary
education at Dalhousie University. Alyssa will be a
member of the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program
(DISP), where she will be studying Biomedical Science.
Throughout high school Alyssa has always had a keen
interest in science. She has shown this through her
many projects that she has taken to the Canada Wide
Science Fair. Last summer she was also fortunate
enough to be one of forty-five Canadian students that
were chosen to participate in an international science
fair that was held in Tunis, Tunisia.
Alyssa is an active member of her community and while
in high school she enjoyed playing on her schools
varsity basketball and volleyball teams. She loves
downhill skiing, photography and spending time with her
friends and family and she greatly looks forward to her
adventure to the Arctic!
ARCTICA CUNNINGHAM
Telkwa, BC
parents, both dogsledders, wanted a name that
would encourage appreciation and respect of the
pristine northern lands. Arctica has had a passion
for taking care of the environment for as long as
she can remember. She collects a fine for charity
from her family for every plastic bag brought home!
Having been involved in science fairs for the past
six years; Arctica’s projects usually focus on solving
environmental problems. She competed at Canada
Wide Science Fair the past two years; winning a
bronze medal (Earth and Environmental Science,
2009) and a silver medal (Environmental Innovation,
2010.) Arctica is an active member of her school
and community; participating in Leadership, “Youth
for a Better World”, Band (playing clarinet), and
Choir, and she is the Youth Representative on a
team planning the sustainable future of the small
town where she lives in Northern British Columbia.
An honour student in all subjects, Arctica excels at
math and enjoys reading, writing, and cooking.
Arctica has a strong love for animals and she likes
nothing better than to spend time outside; whether
it be taking her dog for a walk, working in her
garden, or cross country skiing. She is considering
a career in environmental science, concentrating on
animal habitat preservation. Arctica hopes to learn
about what she can do to help with the deteriorating
conditions of the Arctic, and she can’t wait to
experience this beautiful land and be so close to all
the magnificent wildlife.
Hanover, ON
Megan is seventeen years old, and is entering grade
twelve at Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton,
Ontario where she is an honours student. She is a
member of the school band where she plays the
clarinet, a member of the Environmental Committee on
the Student Activities Council, and a member of the
school's Reach for the Top team. Megan enjoys step
dancing and playing the piano and plays in the youth
choir at her church. She also enjoys spending time with
family and friends. Megan really enjoys scrapbooking
and photography because they allow her to express
herself creatively. She also enjoys cooking, exercising,
yoga, and reading. She has always had a passion for
science and has completed eight science fair projects.
Megan has attended five Canada-Wide Science Fairs
where she was able to share her scientific discoveries
with other students. She has represented Canada at
the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in
Paris, France and at the International Sustainable
World Project Olympiad in Houston, Texas where she
won a silver medal. She is currently interested pursuing
a career in medicine, focusing on holistic and
environmental health. Megan is thrilled to be travelling
the Arctic and discovering this area of Canada. She is
specifically interested in learning how the Arctic is being
affected by global warming. Megan is also looking
forward to visiting northern communities and learning about the effects that the environment has on health.
Sorel-Tracy, QC
Estelle Simon was born on July 4th, 1993 in Sorel-
Tracy, Quebec. She was studying Sciences at the
Fernand-Lefebvre high school and she will go to Cegep
next year in Sciences.
Her passion for sciences gave her the opportunity to
participate in many science fairs. In 2008, she had the
pleasure to be part of Team Canada for the INTEL ISEF
and her participation in this international event changed
her life and helped her continue her future scientific
projects.
Constantly motivated by scientific curiosity, Estelle and
her partner Camille Salvas did experimentation in 2009
and with their project they participated in CWSF where
they won the Intermediate Platinum award. Estelle was
also part of Team Canada for the MILSET in Tunisia
and she will go to Slovakia for another MILSET event in
2011. Estelle plays for her high school volleyball team
“Polypus” and is also a good horseback rider. With her
parents, Estelle developed a passion for travelling in
nature around the world, by sailing, diving, trekking and
exploring the continents. She always had an interest for
the Arctic and her trip to this polar region is a dream
becoming true.
The love of technology gave her the dream and goal to
work in pediatric medicine, to improve sanitary
conditions for children and provide humanitarian aid.
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