Five Island students will test their skills and knowledge at the upcoming Canada Wide Science Fair in Toronto, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie.
“Project-based learning is a great way to engage students in activities that promote real-life, 21st century skills,” said Minister Currie. “I know the students will represent our province well on the national stage. Recently, I had the pleasure of touring the Prince Edward Island science fair held at UPEI and I was extremely impressed with the talent on display from all students.”
The Canada Wide Science Fair will be held at Seneca College in Toronto, May 14-21. The prestigious event is celebrating its 50th anniversary. More than 500 of the brightest young minds in the country will be accompanied by 300 science educators and 400 professional scientists and engineers who participate as judges.
Students representing Prince Edward Island at the 2011 Canada Wide Science Fair include:
• Daniel Larsen from Charlottetown Rural High who is investigating a more efficient transformer to improve energy transmission;
• Courtney Stewart and Sarah Simpson from Bluefield High School who have developed a hydro-step that generates electric power when you run up or down stairs;
• Stephanie Cairns from École François-Buote who has developed a computer program to measure and ultimately reduce gambling addictions; and
• Alexandra MacDonald from Birchwood Intermediate who investigated sexism in adolescent populations.
These students will join other young scientists from grades 7 -12 across the country in competing for medals and prizes worth over $1,000,000.
“Students who participate in science fairs improve their problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills,” says PEI Science Fair Coordinator, Dr. Bill Whelan. “This will give them an advantage later on when they are competing for future academic or career opportunities.”
The Canada Wide Science Fair is the largest extra-curricular youth science activity in Canada. For more information, visit the website at cwsf.youthscience.ca.