Showing off the work of dedicated students

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This article was published 26/05/2020 (1967 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A prestigious science fair is being held online — and Dr. Anju Bajaj is thrilled about it.

Bajaj is a science teacher at Holy Cross School and the co-ordinator of the annual Bison Regional Science Fair, which was cancelled this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Fuelled by her passion for science education and acknowledging the importance of providing an educational platform for budding scientists, Bajaj has been working with Youth Science Canada to organize the YSC Online STEM Fair — a showcase for science, technology, engineering and mathematics projects that reflect the curiosity and creativity of Canadian youth.

Developed by engineering.com, the online fair is a showcase for STEM projects submitted by students in grades 7 to 12 looking to showcase their ideas and discoveries, Bajaj said.

“I’m very glad that this is still happening at this uncertain time,” Bajaj, who lives in St. Vital, told The Lance.

“It was heartbreaking for us to cancel our Bison Regional Science Fair in April. Our budding students never gave up and encouraged us to organize a virtual science fair. It shows their genuine passion, compassion, and curiosity that physical events may have been cancelled, but the work of the curious and talented youth continues. The online fair provides participating students with the opportunity to receive feedback, mentorship, and virtual recognition for outstanding projects.”

“For many of our participants, the science fair is something they look forward to each year and many have already completed projects and had school science fairs. These young scientists are our future, and this could set an example of how to move forward, adapt, and solve problems in an ever-changing and complex world. I think today’s youth could use the message of being positive, innovative, and dealing with challenge, as opposed to much of the negative press and noise on social media, and his could offer this opportunity,” she added.

As well, Bajaj’s passion and contributions to the cause were recently recognized by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, which selected her as a winner of the Global Citizenship Award for Educators for 2020. The award recognizes her commitment to engaging her students in local and global issues, and her efforts to bring global issues to the forefront in her classroom and among her colleagues.

Bajaj said is honoured by the recent recognition and is grateful for the hard work of everyone involved in making the virtual science fair a reality.

“I want to thank the incredible BRSF and YSC team of staff and national volunteers who have made the fair possible. Their work has demonstrated once again the dedication and passion for youth and STEM projects within this organization.”

Go online at makeprojects.com/ysc more information about the fair, including notable dates.