The Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary buzzed with youthful energy and scientific curiosity this past Saturday as the Calgary Youth Science Fair concluded its two-day event, naming seventeen talented finalists who will advance to the national stage next month. These exceptional students, ranging from Grade 5 to Grade 12, will represent Calgary at the prestigious Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton at the end of May, following a rigorous evaluation process.
A Celebration of Young Scientific Minds
With an impressive turnout of 900 participants, the fair provided a vibrant platform for young innovators to present their research and inventions. A dedicated team of 500 volunteer judges meticulously assessed the projects over the weekend, highlighting the community's strong support for STEM education. Grant Mansiere, Director of External Relations at the Calgary Youth Science Fair Society, emphasized the immense effort behind each display.
"Some students have worked for months, others have worked for years on their projects," Mansiere noted. "I know all of them have put in a lot of effort, so I'm happy to see all of them here presenting what they do best." He further reflected on the transformative experience the fair offers, stating, "This is going to be some of the best days of their lives. They're going to meet the best people, they're going to make the best connections, and they're going to pitch and present the best science they have."
Spotlight on Innovative Projects
Among the standout finalists is 15-year-old Mika Wan, a Grade 10 student at Webber Academy, who is attending the national fair for the second consecutive year. Her project focuses on developing a sustainable alternative to traditional building insulation. "Basically, I created biomass-derived foams using Aspen and hemp, which are lignocellulose fibers, and then also additives with silane and nanoclay," Wan explained. "That's going to be a novel solution to replace current petroleum-based foams that have really large impacts on the environment." Expressing her surprise at being selected again, she said, "I'm just flabbergasted. I went in with no expectations ... I didn't want to make myself too stressed or anything like that, but I did try my best."
Another finalist, Gayatri Sakharkar, a Grade 9 student at the STEM Innovation Academy, has developed a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic mulch film used in agriculture to boost crop yields. This marks her fifth participation in the Calgary fair and her second time as a finalist. "I was really into microplastics, just because my project last year involved using recycled plastic water bottles," she shared. Her enthusiasm for the upcoming national event is palpable: "I am so excited. Last year, the experience was amazing. It was the best week of my life by far."
Projects with Real-World Impact
The fair also featured projects aimed at addressing pressing social and health challenges. Allen Guo-Lu, a Grade 12 student, collaborated with teammate Luotong Shi to create a robotic tail designed to assist seniors, particularly those with Parkinson's disease, in maintaining balance while walking. Inspired by his volunteer work with the local non-profit InThinking Youth Club, where he regularly visits seniors' homes, Guo-Lu approached the project as a personal challenge. "For me, it was more like a personal challenge," he admitted. "I didn't have a high expectation. I think that's part of the fun of it, is to have that curiosity." This year marked his first participation in the fair, and making it as a finalist was an unexpected and rewarding achievement.
The diversity of projects was further highlighted by other participants, such as Laura Kaastra and Alisha Wong, who presented a low-cost rover, and Sophia Chan, who explored indoor grocery gardening. Additionally, Rasha Shukeir and Avah Jadavji showcased their research on bioplastics with a project titled 'Breaking Up with Plastic,' reflecting a growing passion among youth for environmental solutions.
Looking Ahead to the National Stage
As these seventeen finalists prepare for the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton, they carry not only their innovative projects but also the hopes and encouragement of their community. The Calgary Youth Science Fair has once again demonstrated its vital role in nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers, providing a foundational experience that extends far beyond the competition itself. The event underscores the importance of fostering curiosity and dedication in young minds, paving the way for future breakthroughs that could benefit society and the environment.
