Due to another year of pandemic uncertainty, the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair resorted, again, to an online virtual fair. Students uploaded videos explaining their work along with slide shows, pictures and graphics, all displayed in a slick interface that allows easy access to all elements of their projects. In addition, they were each interviewed by telephone. Some of the best projects can be viewed at https://projectboard.world/ysc/region/quinte
Does high tech make for a better fair? Partly. Projects are more polished. Access to a high level platform and resources was more readily available throughout Prince Edward and Hastings Counties. But there were drawbacks. The extra demands imposed by the system resulted in fewer entries. Students missed the face -to-face interactions with judges, the public and their peers. There were no exciting demonstrations and activities on the display floor This will all be rectified next year with a return to an in-person format at Loyalist College.
Congratulations go to all who managed to complete and upload their great displays. They were all rewarded with a Participation Package including QRSTF certificates, pins, stickers, and t- shirts donated by Loyalist College.
This year the pool of experienced judges evaluated the projects April 2 and interviewed the students April 3. There were many prizes and special awards available due to the generosity of local individuals and businesses. The local community continues to encourage our amazing students to display their creativity and brilliance.
The results of this Saturdays judging follow:
Best in Grade 5: Lachlann Bremner, Susanna Moodie Public School
Best in Grade 6: Aashita Srikanth, HPEDSB Virtual School
Best in Grade 7: Surya Santhakumar, HPEDSB Virtual School
Best in Grades 9-12: Nina Graciano, Eastside Secondary School
Best in Fair Junior: Lachlann Bremner, Susanna Moodie Public School
Best in Fair Intermediate: Surya Santhakumar, HPEDSB Virtual School
Best in Fair Senior: Nina Graciano, Eastside Secondary School
For a full list of winners of special awards go to http://www.qrstf.ca/documents/winners2022.pdf
“Originality, curiosity, and concern for our environment are recurring themes again this year. This bodes well for our planet’s future,” stated Chairperson, Chris Spencer.
Three students, from our area will compete in this year’s Canada Wide Science Fair to be held virtually again this year. Students from grades 7 to 12 are eligible for this prize. From May 16-20 there will be a series of activities culminating in a competition for almost one million dollars in prize money. The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is the country’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event, bringing together top young scientists and their projects, selected from our national network of over 100 regional STEM fairs in every province and territory.
The three students who are competing at the CWSF this year are: Surya Santhakumar, grade 7 HPEDSB Virtual School; Nina Graciano, grade 9 Eastside Secondary School and Harshita Srikanth, Grade10, Eastside Secondary School.
The QRSTF Awards Presentation can be viewed by searching YouTube for QRSTF award ceremony 2022.
In January, the QRSTF lost one of their long-time, most involved committee members, Panchadcharam Yogeswaran, (1942 – 2022). Panch filled several roles, treasurer, judge coordinator and school outreach. As the judge coordinator, he developed and organized a large pool of enthusiastic judges. In his school outreach he was personally responsible for coaching and encouraging many teachers and hundreds of students. He was always supportive and positive, protecting a student’s self-esteem as he nudged them to improve their projects. He was a shining example of what the QRSTF aims to be. We carry on in his spirit.
THE ABOVE IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE QUINTE REGIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR COMMITTEE
