“Wipes vs. Pipes,” “Dreissenid Mussels” and “Run, Run Remember” win at regional science fair

“Wipes vs. Pipes,” “Dreissenid Mussels” and “Run, Run Remember” win at regional science fair

How does exercise affect long- and short-term memory? How will the death of mussels affect water? What do (cleaning) wipes do to plumbing and pipes? Mel Novakovic, Moira Secondary School, Theresa DeCola, Bayside Secondary School, and Holly Tetzlaff, Harry J. Clarke Public School, Destinations Programme know the answers! They are the creators of three award-winning projects at the Quinte Regional Science & Technology Fair.

For Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, the best in grade winners this year were:

A new award, the Dr. Paul Wright 2014 Best in Fair Junior Award, went to Meredith Davies, Queen Victoria School, for her project You're Driving Me Nuts!

Another new award, the Trenton Kiwanis Best in Fair Senior Award, went to Theresa DeCola, Bayside Secondary School, for her project Localised Potential Implications of Dreissenid Mussel Death and Degradation on Water.

STUDENTS GOING TO THE CANADA WIDE SCIENCE FAIR

Three HPEDSB students were selected to compete in the Canada-Wide Science Fair scheduled for May 2014 in Windsor, Ontario. This is a remarkable achievement.

Congratulations to:

  • Theresa DeCola, Bayside Secondary School, for her project Localised Potential Implications of Dreissenid Mussel Death and Degradation on Water
  • Holly Tetzlaff, Harry J. Clarke Public School, Destinations Programme, for her project Wipes vs. Pipes
  • Mel Novakovic, Moira Secondary School, for her project Run, Run, and Remember

Their expenses will be paid for the 7-day event, a value of approximately $1,700 per student.

The 55th Annual Quinte Regional Science & Technology Fair (QRSTF) took place at Loyalist College in Belleville, Saturday, April 5, 2014. Approximately 151 colourful, well-researched projects were on display by Grade 4 to 12 students from schools throughout Hastings County and Prince Edward County.

Approximately 200 students competed for awards in several different categories as they made presentations to 100 volunteer judges. The judges spoke with students to learn about the project prior to coming up with an evaluation. As part of the judging process every student received a written list of comments on how to improve future projects. Numerous other volunteers helped out behind the scenes.

Patron and Major sponsors provided funds to help send five finalists to the Canada Wide Science Fair, http://cwsf.youthscience.ca/ while other sponsors supplied prizes in the form of cash and trophies.

The most endearing part of the QRSTF is the enthusiasm of the students. As soon as they are asked about their projects they enthusiastically explain their theories, results and every step along the way.

Tamara Sayers-Pringle, Chief Judge of the QRSTF said, "After 55 years, we are still pleasantly surprised by the quality and creativity of the projects that take part in our fair. As a volunteer driven organization, we appreciate every member's hard work and professionalism, from the judges, our students, and community volunteers."

Throughout the morning, students were interviewed extensively during the first round of judging. First, Second, Third and Honourable Mentions, were awarded to each group of five to eight projects. A second round of judging was used to determine the best in each grade, specialty awards and the Canada Wide Science Fair awards.

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