Creativity and innovation will be on display during this week's annual science fair at Innisfail High School.
“It gives them an opportunity to look at science outside the textbook. To explore the scientific process that they've learned, but from scratch,” said Trevor Woof, teacher at Innisfail High School.
This year, the annual science fair takes place at the school on Feb. 24.
“All of the projects will be judged before lunch, and in the afternoon we have an open viewing for other classes in the school and in the middle school to come and see the projects,” said Woof. “We have a public viewing and awards ceremony from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. that night. It's an all- day event for the kids.”
The science fair is held for students in Grade 9 but is open to senior grades as well, noted vice-principal Narsh Ramrattan. He pointed out a lack of success amongst senior grades due to students' commitment to studies and other activities.
Science fair projects can include a variety of topics learned in biology, chemistry and physics.
“We have 92 Grade 9 students and the science fair is a part of their overall mark,” said Woof. “We'll probably have about 40 to 50 projects, and we have four main categories – life science, applied sciences, physical sciences, and earth and environmental sciences.
“Based on what they do in their project, we categorize them and they are judged in those four areas,” he added.
The annual science fair is an excellent learning opportunity for Grade 9 students, noted Ramrattan, and a chance to explore the world of science, and put their research skills, creativity and knowledge to use.
“It gives students an opportunity to delve a little bit more into topics of interest to them,” said Ramrattan. “There's so many different topics in Science 9, ranging from astronomy to chemistry and biology. This gives them an opportunity to use all those skills and information that they've learned and focus on something.”
Woof said that the top 10 projects (based on highest marks) are given an opportunity to attend the regional science fair every year, and from there, those who qualify would move on to the national event.
“Typically, we usually get one or two kids that will win first, second or third place in the regional fair and qualify for the Canada-wide Science Fair in May,” said Woof.
Both Woof and Ramrattan are encouraging parents, friends and members of the Innisfail community to come out and show their support.
“They're fabulous projects. It would be great if we could have more people from the community come in and see what these kids are capable of,” said Ramrattan. “Some of the projects are really amazing.”
Narsh Ramrattan
"They're fabulous projects. It would be great if we could have more people from the community come in and see what these kids are capable of."
