Local science fair marking fifth anniversary

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This article was published 13/04/2022 (1312 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. BONIFACE

ST. VITAL

The Bison Regional Science Fair, which will be held on April 13 and 14, is marking its fifth anniversary this year.

Dr. Anju Bajaj, a STEM educator and the vice-principal of St. Boniface-based Holy Cross School, is the fair’s founder and co-ordinator, and she’s excited by the fact the event — which is open to students in grades 4 to 12 across the province — has reached this landmark, as it continues to stimulate student interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“We are proud that the fair has reached this important milestone,” Bajaj, who lives in St. Vital, said.

“This event continues to provide students with a valuable opportunity to share their experiences in scientific research and experimentation. Many of our alumni have used this experience to become leaders in their chosen fields. Each year at each Bison Regional Science Fair we celebrate the past and present, but always with a deep focus on the future. As an organization, we’ve focused on gathering, highlighting, and recognizing the amazing spirit and talents of Canadian youth.”

The fair is one of the largest regional science fairs in Canada, and this year its back to an in-person format after being held online last year because of the pandemic. And for those who’d prefer to participate from home or who can’t make the event, it will also be livestreamed.

“I can’t forget how cohesive our community has been and how we have taken care of each other and how we try to do things for each other. So, they really keep themselves connected with the community,” Bajaj said.

“We just want to make sure that we are taking all the precautions.”

Despite these precautions, Bajaj said it feels like this is the first taste of normalcy after the last couple of years: “It’s a great feeling that we are almost back to normal, and we can at least enjoy it.”

Three of the participants of this year’s fair are eighth grade Holy Cross School students Stephanie Christle, Wynona Teologo, and Jailley Marcelino. Christle’s project is called Food Source of the North 9, Teologo’s project is called Power from H20, and Marcelino’s is called The Effect of Rice Water on the Growth of the Oregano Plant.

Last year, Marcelino also participated in the Canada Wide Science Fair, as organizers of the Bison Regional Science Fair send the top three winners of the event to compete at the national level. This year’s Canada Wide Science Fair will run virtually from May 16 to 20 from Fredericton, N.B.

Go online at youthscience.ca/bison or youthscience.ca/cwsf for more information.