April 12 and 13: Young Ensteins head to Regional Science Fair

A total of 37 exhibits from Rainbow Schools will be showcased at the Sudbury Regional Science Fair taking place at Laurentian University on April 12 and 13, 2008. The students participating at the regional level captured top honours at the Rainbow District School Board’s Elementary Science Fair held on March 5, 2008, where they explored a number of interesting topics in all areas – earth sciences, the environment, engineering, research and more.

"Science fairs allow students to stretch their imaginations and problem-solve in a fun and dynamic way," says Board Chair Judy Hunda. "It gives students an excellent opportunity to network with their peers and develop important life skills. Science fairs also promote public speaking, teamwork, presentation, preparation and critical thinking skills."

According to Elementary Science Fair Chair Ron Hodkinson, students who invest time and effort into putting together a top-notch science fair project develop essential scientific skills that will allow them to be successful in future endeavours.

"Working on science fair projects gives students an opportunity to capitalize on their natural curiosity to inquire and learn," he says. "Students actively engage in authentic learning when they investigate questions that are real." He adds: "Students enhance their scientific skills and further develop interests in possible careers in the field of science."

Chair Hunda commended students and teachers for their efforts and wished the participants at the regional level ongoing success.

Participating in the Sudbury Regional Science Fair taking place at Laurentian University in Sudbury on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, 2008:

Carl A. Nesbitt Public School

Christopher McDonald – See the Light

Natasha Humenjuk – The Economical Bio Filter   

Curtis Clark – Can a Golf Ball Be all the Difference

George Vanier Public School

Joseph Lucciantonio – Geronimo

Garrett Kosowan – Energy Drink

David Niemi – Parabolic Solar Heat Collector

Michael Oja – Now Playing

Michael DeSanti and Andrew Tessier – Is What You See What You Get

Lansdowne Public School

Melina Reyes and Oshani Amaratunga – Soak It Up

Erin Wylie and Chelsey Robillard – Remember that Apple

MacLeod Public School       

Connor Barr – Energy from Salt

Lauren Rainsford and Christian Murphy – Waste to Warm

Keiran Geverding – Bread Mould

Katie Lawson – Katie’s Colony Killers

Kelly Hotta and Maeve Conroy – Caffeine: Can You Taste It

Nikita Ravi and Alexandra Zmijowskyj – White and Brite

Lauren Urban and Gillian Townend – Light Beam Beans

Alex McCulloch and Richard Germond – Teeth vs Acid

Northeastern Elementary School       

Lindsay Scruton and Santana Della Vedova – BMI

Alexandra Bajc – Water

Katie Bowers – Lead in Water: Home vs School

Roman Glogger – Battery Power

Daniel McNeilly – Homemade Batteries

Melina Ralph – Think Green

Samantha Bajc – Gatorade vs Water

Pinecrest Public School

Russell Wilson and Jacob Starling – Producing Electricity with Fruits and Vegetables

R.H. Murray Public School

Alek Luopa – With Prices This good, Why Pay

R.L. Beattie Public School

Anne Dawson and Emily Smith – What’s in Your Concrete

Keegan Pitre and Conor Blayney – The Sound of Future

Kiran Dhatt-Gauthier – Driving Distractions

Brian Lauzon and Alex Bertrand – Heating from Head to Toe

Rain Maki and Victoria Falvo – Are Fingerprints Hereditary

Rachel Wood – Bacteria’s Natural Enemy

Isabelle MacLean and Kayla Kelly – Keep The Heat

Han-Sen Belzile – Consume Less; Avoid The Mess

Alex Mulloy – Talk to Me

Spencer Slaney and Tyler Landry – You are Under Fall-Arrest

Sudbury Regional Science Fair projects will be selected for the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa from May 10 to 18, 2008. "A number of students from Rainbow Schools have had the privilege of showcasing their science fair projects at the national level," says Chair Hunda.

"In fact, the six students from Rainbow Schools who traveled to Truro, Nova Scotia for the national science fair last year all returned home winners," she adds. "We are certainly very proud of the achievement of our students as they compete among the best of the best. The Sudbury Regional Science Fair is the next step on their journey to the nationals."

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.