Students participate in Canada-Wide Science Fair in Peterborough May 15-23

A number of students from Rainbow Schools will participate in the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Peterborough from May 15 to 23, 2010.  They will be among the top young scientists in Grades 7 to 12 chosen from approximately 25,000 competitors at 100 regional science and technology fairs from across the country.

“We congratulate all winners of the Sudbury Regional Science Fair and North Channel Science Fair,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Tyler Campbell. “We wish our Canada-Wide Science Fair participants all the best at the national level.”

The following Rainbow Students will represent Sudbury at the 2010 Canada-Wide Science Fair – Josh Semeniuk of A.B. Ellis Public School, Victoria Hanousek of MacLeod Public School, Jared Manchuk, Kirk  Lee and Nyle Anderson of Algonquin Road Public School, and Colin Roos of Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School.

CANADA WIDE SCIENCE FAIR PARTICIPANTS



Green Energy by Electrolysis

Josh Semeniuk – Grade 8

A.B. Ellis Public School

This project investigated the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis (which is the decomposition of a chemical compound into ions by the passing of an electric current through a solution of it) with a simple homemade apparatus and drill battery. Josh Semeniuk tested the electrolyzer at three different temperatures and with two solutions. One of the solutions was tap water and the other was de-ionized water. He also tested for electrolytes (a solution that will conduct electric current). Electrolytes used were vinegar and baking soda. His determined that baking soda was the best electrolyte and de-ionized water was the best solution and that the higher the temperature of water the more efficient the electrolyzer.

Josh Semeniuk placed first in Physical Sciences at the 2010 North Channel Science Fair and won the most innovative project award. He placed second overall at the fair. Joshua Semeniuk and Nick Houle from A.B. Ellis Public School showcased their project entitled Solar vs Wind at the 2009 Canada-Wide Science Fair. They captured second overall at the North Channel Science Fair in 2009. They also received a Physical Science Award and the Hydro One Ambassador Award.

Does Eye Colour Affect Peripheral Vision?

Victoria Hanousek – Grade 7

MacLeod Public School

Periperal vision is important in our everyday lives, from driving cars to playing sports and detecting things around us.  According to Victoria Hanousek, when you think of eye colour, you don’t think of it affecting parts of the human eye, but in reality it does.  For brown (dark) eyes, the iris has more pigment than a blue or green (light) eye which means it absorbs more light for the pupil to dilate and the peripheral vision to improve.

Victoria Hanousek captured first place in the Junior Division Life Sciences category. She also earned the Laurentian University Dean of Science Award.

H.H. – D.D.  Hero High-speed Driver Deterrent

Jared Manchuk – Grade 8

Algonquin Road Public School

Jared Manchuk used a camera and problem solved with math to determine if cars were speeding on the road on which he lives. He found patterns in driving habits by time of day and came to some alarming conclusions.

Jared Manchuk captured first place in the Junior Division, Physical Sciences category, and received the Laurentian University Dean of Science Award. He also won the Laurentian University Engineering Science Award (for the project that best deals with engineering, a related topic or process, or in some way contributes to the field of engineering), the Laurentian University Forensic Sciences Award (for the project that best deals with forensic science, a related topic or process, or in some way contributes to the field of forensic science) and the Laurentian University Scholarship Award (for the best junior project in the fair.)

Magnetic Linear Accelerator

Kirk  Lee – Grade 8

Nyle Anderson – Grade 8

Algonquin Road Public School

Nyle Anderson and Kirk Lee studied magnetism, which has always been of interest to them. They modelled a system that, through magnets, bearings and an inclined plane, causes the bearings to accelerate, launching the last one at an increased speed.  They looked at the possible real world applications of this technology.

At the 2010 Sudbury Regional Science Fair, Nyle Anderson and Kirk Lee captured first place in the Junior Division, Physical Sciences category and received the Laurentian University Dean of Science Award. They also won the Snolab Award (for a project related to sub-atomic physics, astrophysics or astronomy that demonstrates understanding and contributes to overall awareness of the topic), and the Laurentian University Physical Science Award (for the project that best deals with physics and biomedical physics, a related topic or process, or in some way contributes to the field of physics and biomedical physics). 

The Chlorofilter Phase 3

Colin Roos – Grade 9

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

This project uses the science of photosynthesis to make a filter that will remove carbon dioxide from fossil fuel emissions.  The goal of this innovation is to reduce the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is said to be a large contributor to global warming. The third phase of the project was developed based on results of previous investigations.  A unique experimental design was used to investigate the effects of engine exhaust on algae life cycles.  Colin Roos also investigated carbon dioxide concentrations produced by engines and how they can be reduced using a filter composed of water and algae.  The results of this year’s research will be used to refine the design of the prototype filter.

Colin Roos captured first place in the Junior Division Engineering Category at the 2009 Sudbury Regional Science Fair. In 2008, phase 1 of the project, he tested how effective land plants were at exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen. In 2009, phase 2 of the project, he tested algae in the same manner. In 2009, Colin Roos won the Bill Roman Award, Via Rail Canada’s EnviroExpo Special Award and the LU Engineering Award. He also earned the honour of representing Sudbury at the 2009 Canada-Wide Science Fair, where he won an Honourable Mention in the Junior Environmental Innovation Science category.

At the 2010 Sudbury Regional Science Fair, Colin Roos placed First in Intermediate Engineering and won the following awards: Air Quality/Climate Change Award (for outstanding project dealing with air quality or climate change), Bill Roman Award (for best in fair as judged by the exhibitors), Via Rail Canada’s EnviroExpo Special Award (for a project that takes on a pressing environmental issue and incorporates an artistic discipline), Ontario Ministry of the Environment Environmental Innovator Award (for demonstrating a creative approach to an environmental problem that could lead to cleaner air, land, or water), Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation Stepping Stone Award (for best in the fair), and a Laurentian University Scholarship Award (for best intermediate project in the fair).

North Channel Science Fair winners from Rainbow Schools





JUNIOR DIVISION – PHYSICAL SCIENCES



First

Green Energy by Electrolysis
Josh Semeniuk
A.B. Ellis Public School
Most Innovative Project
Second Overall at the North Channel Science Fair

 
Sudbury Regional Science Fair winners from Rainbow Schools

JUNIOR DIVISION – ENGINEERING



Honourable Mention

Biodiesel
Kelsey Pitre
Christine  Zhang
R. L. Beattie Public School

Fourth

Water Be Sure Be Safe
Sophie Hardcastle
Lively District Secondary School


Third

Car Safety Features
Joel Deck
Northeastern Elementary School

First

This Project is also the recipient of the Laurentian University Dean of Science Award.

The Accessibility Project
Cayden Cole
Duncan Tate
Algonquin Road Public School

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION – ENGINEERING



First

The Chlorofilter Phase 3
Colin Roos
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

JUNIOR DIVISION – LIFE SCIENCES



Honourable

Effects of a Bluetooth Headset on the Activity of Human Brain
Syed Shozab Ahmed
MacLeod Public School

Fourth

The Brain is the Judge
Vanessa Boric
Sun-Jung Nam
MacLeod Public School


Third

Mutagens, Out To Get You?
Fatima Alaeddine
Nikhita Mathur
R. L. Beattie Public School




First

This Project is also the recipient of the Laurentian University Dean of Science Award.

Does Eye Colour Effect Peripheral Vision?
Victoria Hanousek
MacLeod Public School

 
JUNIOR DIVISION – PHYSICAL SCIENCES



Third

Wood Gas: A Form of Biomass Energy
Markku Laamanen
Algonquin Road Public School

First

This Project is also the recipient of the Laurentian University Dean of Science Award.

H.H.- D.D.  Hero High-speed Driver Deterrent
Jared Manchuk
Algonquin Road Public School


First

Magnetic Linear Accelerator
Kirk  Lee
Nyle Anderson
Algonquin Road Public School

JUNIOR DIVISION – COMPUTER SCIENCES



First

This Project is also the recipient of the Laurentian University Dean of Science Award.

Take A Hike
Matthew Monet
Braden Yawney
R. L. Beattie Public School

 
SUDBURY REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR SPECIAL AWARDS



AIR QUALITY/CLIMATE CHANGE AWARD        

Outstanding project dealing with air quality or climate change. 

The Chlorofilter Phase 3
Colin Roos
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

BILL ROMAN AWARD

"Best in fair" as judged by the exhibitors. 

The Chlorofilter Phase 3
Colin Roos
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

BIOTECHNOLOGY AWARD
The project which best demonstrates the application of knowledge of biological systems to solve a problem, create a product, or provide a service. 

Effects of a Bluetooth Headset on the Activity of Human Brain
Syed Shozab Ahmed
MacLeod Public School

CHEMICAL INSTITUTE OF CANADA AWARD

The best project that deals with a chemical topic or process. 

How a’peel’ing are your potatoes
Charlotte Stone
R. L. Beattie Public School

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

The project should deal with some aspect of land reclamation or improving water quality or other environmental issues. 

Wood Gas: A Form of Biomass Energy
Markku Laamanen
Algonquin Road Public School




FOUNDING MEMBERS’ AWARD

The project which exemplifies effort and perseverance. This award honours the contributions of such founding members as Don Davidson, Ed Higgins, and others. 

Recall Time
Nick Barclay
MacLeod Public School

SNOLAB AWARD

TWO outstanding projects related to sub-atomic physics, astrophysics or astronomy that demonstrates understanding and contributes to overall awareness of the topic.

Magnetic Linear Accelerator
Kirk  Lee
Nyle Anderson
Algonquin Road Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY AWARD

The TWO best projects that deals with biology, a related topic or process or in some way contributes to the field of biology.

Bacteria Battle
Kyra Ranney
Brittany Loney
Lively District Secondary School

LAURENTIAN EARTH SCIENCES AWARD
The best project that deals with the earth sciences, a related topic or process or that in some way contributes to the field of earth sciences.

Renewable Energy Efficiency
Sarah MacLean
Algonquin Road Public School

LAURENTIAN CHEMISTRY/BIOCHEMISTRY AWARD

The best project that deals with chemistry or biochemistry, a related topic or process or in some way contributes to the field of chemistry or biochemistry.

How a’peel’ing are your potatoes
Charlotte Stone
R. L. Beattie Public School
 

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY COMPUTER OR MATHEMATICS AWARD

The project that best deals with mathematics or computer science, a related topic or process, or in some way contributes to the field of mathematics and computer science. 

Take A Hike
Matthew Monet
Braden  Yawney
R. L. Beattie Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY ENGINEERING SCIENCE AWARD

The project that best deals with engineering, a related topic or process, or in some way contributes to the field of engineering. 

H.H.- D.D.  Hero High-speed Driver Deterrent
Jared Manchuk
Algonquin Road Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY PHYSICAL SCIENCE AWARD          

The project that best deals with physics and biomedical physics, a related topic or process, or in some way contributes to the field of physics and biomedical physics. 

Magnetic Linear Accelerator
Kirk  Lee
Nyle Anderson
Algonquin Road Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY FORENSIC SCIENCES AWARD

The project that best deals with forensic science, a related topic or process, or in some way contributes to the field of forensic science. 

H.H.- D.D.  Hero High-speed Driver Deterrent
Jared Manchuk
Algonquin Road Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY NEUROSCIENCE AWARD

The project that best deals with neuroscience, a related topic or process, or in some way contributes to the field of neuroscience. 

Effects of a Bluetooth Headset on the Activity of Human Brain
Syed Shozab Ahmed
MacLeod Public School

ONTARIO POWER GENERATION AWARD

Best application of renewable energy or electrical principles to solve a technical or practical problem in the industrial, commercial, or residential fields. 

Wood Gas: A Form of Biomass Energy
Markku Laamanen
Algonquin Road Public School

Earth Helper
Disal Wickramasinghe
MacLeod Public School

Where Does the Heat Go?
Nathan Johnston
Matthew Steer
R. L. Beattie Public School

VIA RAIL CANADAS ENVIRO EXPO SPECIAL AWARD

Project that takes on a pressing environmental issue and incorporates an artistic discipline.

The Chlorofilter Phase 3
Colin Roos
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

YOUTH SCIENCES  ONTARIO  PROVINCIAL  AWARDS



ENERGY AMBASSADOR AWARD

Outstanding scientific quality with primary focus on distribution, supply management, use of conservation of electrical energy. 

Where Does the Heat Go?
Nathan Johnston
Matthew Steer
R. L. Beattie Public School

ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL LABORATORIES AWARD      

Outstanding project in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Toxicology or Forensic Sciences exhibiting exemplary use of analytical laboratory methods.

Mutagens, Out To Get You?
Fatima Alaeddine
Nikhita Mathur
R. L. Beattie Public School

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATOR AWARD

Demonstrating a creative approach to an environmental problem that could lead to cleaner air, land, or water. 

The Chlorofilter Phase 3
Colin Roos
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

UNIVERSITY OF ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARD

The two best projects demonstrating the most innovative development, adaptation, or use of technology in any subject area. 

How high is your heating bill?
Aidan Spoel
R. L. Beattie Public School

Bizz Boom Buzz
Jamie Johansen
Stephen Matthews
R. H. Murray Public School

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION STEPPING STONE AWARD    

The best in fair. 

The Chlorofilter Phase 3
Colin Roos
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The best junior project in fair. 

H.H.- D.D.  Hero High-speed Driver Deterrent
Jared Manchuk
Algonquin Road Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The best intermediate project in fair. 

The Chlorofilter Phase 3
Colin Roos
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.