Science Fair success

More than 50 budding scientists registered in the 54th annual North Bay Regional Science Fair (NBRSF) yesterday with another 50 in the elementary school “Science on the Wall” projects, which provides younger students the chance to present their scientific savvy and experience the regional fair forum.

The one-day event took place at the Nipissing University Sports Complex. 

"The level of quality was very surprising to me," Chair, David Jackowski, a professional engineer, told BayToday. "This is my first year with the fair and I learned a lot.

"When I did my science fair in the second grade it was baking soda and vinegar in a volcano, a pretty low quality project. But today I found kids generating electricity from waste heat, breaking down glucose into fructose and sucrose and just a whole bunch of words I couldn't even pronounce to be honest."

Junior, Intermediate and Senior students from grade 7 to 12 had an opportunity to present their findings in Life Science, Physical Science, Engineering, Math and Computer Science, Biotechnology, and, Earth and Environmental Science categories. 

Regional major award-winning projects attend the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) and possibly the Intel International Science and Engineering competitions, where cash awards, bursaries, scholarships and apprenticeships are abundant.

At the regional level, a host of prizes are available for all categories.

Five of the top students will be awarded an opportunity to attend the Canada-Wide Science Fair 2016 to be held in Montreal May 14th to May 21st. 

More than 50 awards including scholarships, trophies, medals, plaques, certificates, and cheques were presented for the scientific initiatives of the students.

The highlight of the Awards ceremony was the designation of those who will represent the region at this year's Canada-Wide Science Fair being held in Montreal, Quebec May 14 to 24. Three projects (five students) were selected for this exciting opportunity.

Congratulations go to:

Gabrielle Russo of St. Luke’s Catholic Elementary School for her project “Stripping Down the Sugars” which won the Shulman Travel Award, and a gold medal in the Junior Physical Sciences category;

Ashleigh Brady and Reagan Lawton of Widdifield Secondary School for their project “Company in the Shower” which won the Rotary Club of North Bay Award of Excellence, the University of Ottawa Scholarship Award, and a gold medal in the Senior Biotechnology category;

Riley Geisler and Caleb Charette of West Ferris Secondary School for their project “Synthetic 3D Printed Heart” which won the TransCanada Award, the Lalonde Family Award in Biology and Medicine, and a gold medal in the Intermediate Biotechnology category.

Jackowski said, "It is very exciting to see the level of enthusiasm, and quality of projects participating in the Science Fair. The NBRSF Committee wish all these brilliant students continued success with their scientific endeavours.”

Anyone interested in participating on the committee, making a donation to the Regional Fair, or wanting more information please visit the website at www.nbrsf.com. You can also look on Facebook.