Local students showcase talent and passion for science

Tue, Apr 14, 2015

Metro Vancouver, B.C. – An impressive showcase of science projects were on display at the South Fraser Regional Science Fair held at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) last week.

In all, there were 88 projects with 123 Surrey and Delta students in grades 7-12 participating in the annual science fair. Participants also toured KPU Surrey with current KPU students, and visited a physics lab to watch robots, see dancing fire demonstrations and get a feel for science at the post-secondary level.

Eight gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals were handed out for junior, intermediate and senior projects. The eight gold-medal students will advance to the Canada-Wide Science Fair, held May 9-16 in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Over $11,000 was awarded in cash and scholarships.

“It was incredibly exciting to see the level of quality and enthusiasm the participants brought to this year’s science fair. The students heartily took on the challenge of researching and assembling their projects, and energetically presenting and engaging with the judges, other participants and visitors. KPU was thrilled to be involved with celebrating so much young talent and passion for science,” said Dr. Elizabeth Worobec, dean of the Faculty of Science at KPU.

The competition routinely attracts some of the most talented student scientists from throughout the Surrey and Delta school districts, and represents several scientific disciplines, including: biotechnology, earth and environmental sciences, engineering and computing sciences, health sciences, life sciences, and physical and mathematical sciences.

Over 51 expert judges evaluated the inventive projects and determined scores based on scientific thought, original creativity, visual display and oral presentation.

"The quality and originality of projects at this year’s fair were very high. Many judges commented that they were among the best they had ever judged at our fair. Our Canada-Wide Science Fair finalists will represent us well in Fredericton, New Brunswick,” said the fair’s chief judge Karen Morley.

The South Fraser Regional Science Fair is jointly sponsored by KPU, SFU, the Surrey and Delta school districts, Advanced Systems Integrators, Southpointe Academy and the Science Fair Foundation of BC. A complete list of winners is available here.

KPU’s science programs provide students with an education beyond classroom learning, combining theory with an applied learning experience so students might analyze and explore the world on a level most people never see. More information is available at kpu.ca/science.

Project photos and award photos are available on Flickr.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.

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Photo caption: (From back row, left): Tony Chen, James Ho, Shelby Brubacher, Meaghan MacKenzie, Sonia Stewart, Patti Leigh, Executive Director, Science Fair BC; (front row, l-r) Natasha Burgert; Abhigyan Dabla; and Om Agarwal. 

Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca

For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
Flickr