Two Algoma students joined other prominent young scientists from more than 100 regions online for the Science Fair across Canada.
Ila Giroux and Niyati Patel were co-finalists in the competition with projects that sought to find non-toxic ways to extinguish fires.
Giroux received a Silver Excellence Award for his project, ‘Fire Cannot Brew Without O2’.
Both say they have learned a lot during the process and look forward to next year’s competition.
The following is the Rotary Club press release on the event and links to Giroux and Patel projects.
Two talented local students represented Algoma at the Canada-wide Science Fair which ended last Friday. The Canada-wide Science Fair is the nation’s largest annual youth science event, bringing together the best young scientists from more than 100 regional STEM fairs in each province and territory. Hundreds of 7th to 12th graders compete for cash prizes, scholarships and medals, one of which is on its way to Sault Ste. Marie!
Ila Giroux was awarded a Silver Excellence Award in the Junior category for her “Fire Cannot Brew Without O2” project, which aimed to establish a non-toxic way to extinguish a fire in harsh environments. “I was nervous about going to the fair because I had never done anything like this before, but my family encouraged me and I decided to go and I am very happy to have done so,” Ila shared. “I really enjoyed it [Canada-Wide Science Fair]. They did a really good job making it fun even though it was online. “
Ila represented the Algoma region with co-finalist Niyati Patel, who competed in the Intermediate category with her project “Carbon Dioxide and Its Diffusing Properties”, which aimed to determine a quick and non-toxic way to extinguish fires better. for the environment.
“I had decided to enter the Rotary Algoma Science Fair because I really enjoy doing new activities and taking on new challenges,” Niyati shared. “The Science Fair was just another opportunity to explore even more new challenges.”
Both students plan to participate in future Rotary Algoma Science Fairs presented by Tenaris. Niyati is already brainstorming new ideas to follow, and plans to return in 2023 with “a new and better project!”
Ila shared that she learned a lot not only about her own project, but also about the presentation, communication, and the process of creating something. “The judges and people at Rotary were great and my mentor across Canada, Kim Carter, was so amazing and supportive.”
Science and technology have always interested the Carter family. Kim’s children participated in the institute’s fairs as well as the Algoma regional fairs. In 2014, Kim became involved with the regional court, and in 2015 she represented Algoma as a science fair delegate across Canada along with five young finalists in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
“This year CWSF2022 was held virtually from Fredericton,” Kim explained. “There was a virtual Expo of presenters from all areas of science and many universities. There was a TV channel so the finalists could watch short videos. Classrooms across Canada toured the virtual CWSF. The one-week virtual event agenda featured inspiring guest speakers, daily chess games, trivia challenges, treasure hunts, a talent show, and lots of virtual pins made and exchanged! The project showcase on ProjectBoard was the main event! “
Dr. Dante Carlascio, president and Rotary of the science fair, hopes that next year’s fair will return to a face-to-face event. “It’s a big difference to be in person and see all the projects, that the students get to know each other and that they also meet face to face with the judges to present their projects,” shared Dante, who
participates in the fair since the year he joined the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie.
Although a date for the Rotary Algoma Science Fair 2023 presented by Tenaris will be reserved in the fall, parents, students and teachers can expect the event to take place in late March or early April. “If you already have an idea for a project next year, it’s never too early to start testing and recording your findings,” Dante encouraged. “If you are a science teacher from 7th to 12th grade, it would be amazing to have your support and do your students’ science projects in time for them to register for our fair. This is a great opportunity to see students get excited about what they have learned. “
Ila and Niyati projects can be viewed here:
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For 100 years, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie has fostered service, leadership, and good works in our community. Founded in 1918, our mandate to support children with physical disabilities has been at the heart of the efforts of hundreds of Rotarians spanning generations. We invest in Sault youth through the Rotary Youth Exchange, the Algoma Rotary Science Fair, the Rotary Sports Awards Dinner, scholarships, and local projects such as the Rotary Adventure Park. Every year, we enjoy hosting tens of thousands of people at our community building events, including the ROTARYFEST, the Sault Summer Festival! The Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie has had the privilege of returning millions of dollars and touching countless lives.