Three young scientists have returned from the 50th Annual Canada Wide Science Fair in Toronto with awards in hand.
"The kids come up with the ideas for the projects," said Anjula Corbin, chairperson, Central Interior Science Exhibition.
The competition, which took place May 14 to 21, saw Westside Academy's Ashley Anderson and Forrest Tower both received a bronze medal for the project, Applications of Biofuel Technologies in Third World Countries, which explored the alternative uses of methane gas.
Trent Emel, a Grade 7 student from Evelyn Dickson Elementary School, also won a bronze medal for his project, I Nailed It, exploring the strength of various species of wood.
Emily O'Reilly from College Heights Secondary School won $500 and a bronze medal for her exploration, Chamomile vs. Bacteria, into natural alternatives.
"I would think that Emily and Forrest did this entirely on their own. It takes months to prepare and gather data, it's not something that you can put together in a weekend," said Corbin.
The number of students allowed to participate in the Canada Wide Science Fair is based on the population of the region and the marks achieved at the regional science fair, held at UNBC March 12.
This year there were five students from the Central Interior that went to Toronto.
The science department at UNBC are on the judging panel for the regional fair and they often give advice on what could be approved on before they go to the nationals.
"They didn't know each other and they bonded as a team, and represented Prince George well. They are a part of the B.C. team as well and will be brought down to Victoria in the Fall to celebrate their win," said Corbin.
UNBC hosts an annual celebration for the winning students on campus, where they spend the day with the science professors, explore the labs and watch demonstrations put on by the faculty.
"Usually we make a garbage can explode over lunch," said Todd Whitcomb, a chemistry professor at the university.
All of the projects had particular strengths and a huge variety in subject matter, said Whitcomb.
There are eight different categories that the projects must fall under: life science, computing and information technology, biotechnology, earth and environmental science, engineering and computing science, health science, physical and mathematical science and automotive science.
Only students in Grades 7 to 12 are eligible to participate in the Canada wide competition.
There are 500 students across Canada that participate every year.
