Inspiring Innovations: Winnipeg Schools' 53rd Science Fair showcases student curiosity and groundbreaking ideas

Winnipeg School Division held its 53rd Science Fair on April 12, drawing Grade 7 to 12 students from across the division. The event at Tec Voc High School kicked off with a keynote speech by Dr. Samar Safi-Harb, a renowned astrophysicist and professor of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manitoba.

Speaking to the young scientists, Safi-Harb shared her experience of becoming an astrophysicist by following her passion for physics and being open to trying new research areas. She explained astrophysics and provided insights into various research and career opportunities available in this field.

Safi-Harb explained how pulsars were discovered by astronomers Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Anthony Hewish, and shared some amazing facts about pulsars. She described how detecting gravitational waves has helped scientists study the universe and learn about gravity and the universe's evolution.

Safi-Harb emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and never underestimating one's abilities. "Don't try to fit in; just be yourself. Work hard, follow your passion, and seek mentorship because that always helps get you where you want to be. It's good to be open-minded and try various things. If you're unsure what to do, trying different areas is good. At this age, it's time to try everything because then you will have more time and chances to discover your passion."

Her inspiring speech left a lasting impression on the young scientists, many of whom left with a newfound enthusiasm for science and a more significant curiosity about the world around them.

Following the keynote speech, the Science Fair featured several impressive projects from talented students. One of the participants was Ella Strachan, a Grade 10 student from Grant Park High School. Her project, "Mapping Microplastics: Using Computer Modelling to Predict and Address Microplastic Accumulation in Lakes," resulted from two years of research.

Strachan explained that plastic pollution is a pressing issue as global plastic production continues to increase every year, and much of it ends up in our oceans and lakes. "This is bad for marine animals. It has been found in most of our marine animals. It has been found in our drinking water supply and our bodies. So, this is a pretty large and important issue." 

She hypothesized that just like dust bunnies in your house, plastic debris accumulates in lower turbulence or lower disturbance areas. Her second hypothesis was that she could use a computer model based on turbulence to predict microplastic counts and place traps strategically to collect the maximum amount of plastics.

Strachan's project was one of the winners of the Science Fair, alongside Emily McKenna's project "Compaction Action" which explored the effects of soil compaction on plant growth.

The other two winners who will represent WSD at the Canada-Wide Science Fair are Nathaniel Martin whose project "Elevating the World to New Heights: Optimal Parameters for a Globe to Display Election Information" aimed to create a new and effective way to display elevation information on the globe, and Aiyaan Mahir Faisal whose project "Exploration of Genetic Algorithms for Function Optimization" focused on applying genetic algorithms to solve optimization problems.

Lorielyn Bautista presented her project on vertical farming, which she described as "very different from conventional farming" and with the potential to greatly reduce food waste. 

Her project impressed the judges, as she stated, "Essentially, we are discussing how vertical farming can help us in the future. It is presumed that in 2050 the human population will increase to 10 billion since our population is outpacing our current food production systems."

She highlighted the benefits of vertical farming over conventional farming, including virtually no pesticides, reduced water wastage, and minimal food waste.

During the Science Fair, Kari Bergmuller, Regional Coordinator of Winnipeg Schools' Science Fair, WSD shared her thoughts on the importance of cultivating curiosity in young students. She highlighted the impact of investing time and curiosity. 

"They cultivated their curiosity, built on their questions, and learned, and I feel that was just a seed for greater things for some of these students," said Bergmuller. She urged students to keep being curious, to ask questions, and to have a discovery mindset. 

"We don't have all the answers, and I think that's what's so amazing about science,” added Bergmuller. "So, keep asking questions, looking around, and never stop being curious."

Congratulations to all WSD Science Fair participants and these special award winners:

Winners for Canada-Wide Science Fair Delegates 

Emily McKenna - Compaction Action

Nathaniel Martin - Elevating the World to New Heights: Optimal parameters for a globe to display elevation information 

Aiyaan Mahir Faisal - Exploration of Genetic Algorithm for Function Optimization 

Ella Strachan - Mapping Microplastics: Using Computer Modelling to Predict and Address Microplastic Accumulation in Lakes. 

The Award of Excellence in STEM (sponsored by the Winnipeg School Division): 

•  Junior Category: Jack Ralph and Ash Bruneau - Quelle surface d’ailette produit le moins de résistance?

•  Intermediate category: Ella Strachan - Mapping Microplastics

•  Senior category: Ethan McInnes and Bella Brownrigg - Paddle Wheel Vehicle

The Energy and You Award (sponsored by Manitoba Hydro):

• Junior Category: Haley Kroeker and Maya Sigurnjak (Études comparatives des isolants thermiques et des conducteurs thermiques)

• Intermediate category: Ella Strachan - Mapping Microplastics

•  Senior category: Lorielyn Bautista – Vertical Gardening Solutions

The Science Innovator Award (sponsored by the University of Manitoba):

•  Junior category: Emily McKenna - Compaction Action

• Intermediate category: Aiyaan Mahir Faisal - Exploration of Genetic Algorithm for Function Optimization

•  Senior category: Lorielyn Bautista – Vertical Gardening solutions

Mathematics and Statistics Innovative Application Award (sponsored by the University of Winnipeg): 

•  Junior category: Nola McCarthy and Sadie Banks - Comment fiable sont les temoignages ocularies

•  Intermediary category: Aiyaan Mahir Faisal - Exploration of Genetic Algorithm for Function Optimization

• Senior category: Alecksa Rodil – The Effect of Age on Cognitive Abilities

The Experimental Design Award (sponsored by the Canadian Mennonite University): 

Hadiya Omer – Phenotype rescues of MECP2 in Drosophila 

Sanofi Biogenius Award (presented through Youth Science Canada):

Cebastian Silva and Erin Jones – Seed Germination Acceleration