Edmonton, AB: Canada-Wide Science Fair 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta and most of the 103 regional science fairs across the country may have been cancelled, but the passion for discovery and innovation amongst Canadian youth will not be denied.
Youth Science Canada (YSC), organizers of the national event since its inception in 1962, have announced the launch of YSC Online STEM Fair, a showcase for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) projects that reflect the creativity of Canadian youth.
The online event will be live for the public to explore starting Tuesday, May 19. “The physical events may have been cancelled, but the work of this country’s curious and talented youth continues,” says Reni Barlow, executive director of Youth Science Canada. “Members of the STEM community have shown the depth of their commitment to engaging and supporting Canadian youth as they continue to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Developed by engineering.com, the site will feature STEM projects submitted by students in grades 7-12, along with opportunities for STEM-related companies, organizations, agencies and institutions to engage visiting students, teachers, parents and the public through the virtual STEM Expo.
A bilingual YSC Online STEM Fair student visitor activity guide will be made available as of May 1, to help navigate the event and enhance at-home learning.
“Youth Science Canada’s network of regional science fairs plays a critical role in inspiring the STEM leaders and inventors of tomorrow.” said Frank Baldesarra CEO of engineering.com.
With the support of Youth Science Canada’s National Science Fair Network, and partners like NSERC PromoScience, Intact Financial Corporation and Cenovus Energy, YSC Online STEM Fair will provide participants with feedback, opportunities for mentorship, as well as virtual recognition for projects. The STEM Fair is open to any student in Canada from grades 7 to 12 (secondary 1 to Cégep in Quebec), to showcase their ideas and discoveriesin a time when innovation is more needed and perhaps more valued than ever.
About Youth Science Canada
Established in 1962, Youth Science Canada fuels the curiosity of Canadian youth through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) projects. The registered charity works to ensure that Canadian youth have the capacity and skills to generate and answer questions and identify and solve problems. YSC also engages leading public and private sector organizations in the development of a national STEM network of Canadian youth. For more information, please visit youthscience.ca.
About engineering.com
Engineering.com is a global online publisher and discussion forum for problem solving, tech news, innovations and resources, with a simple mission to inspire engineering minds to be and do better. The company’s ProjectBoard platform, now powering Makeprojects.com, provides Makers and STEM communities a fun and engaging way to share ideas, develop projects and learn in groups online.
Cyril Mani won a bronze medal and the Canadian Association of Physicists Award at the 2019 Canada-Wide Science Fair in FrederictonNow, he’s working with a team of fellow McGill students in Montreal to design protective gear for health-care professionals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis.
Through Skype, the group is putting the final touches on a protective mask that could be manufactured on a 3D printer – and help in stemming the spread of the virus. The objective: to mass-produce these masks in a way that would require only a minimal group of people working on the manufacturing process.
Among his many accomplishments, Cyril is one of six CWSF alumni to receive the 2019 Schulich Leadership Scholarship – the largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship in Canada. He was also selected to serve as an ambassador for CWSF 2020 and will continue to play an important role in our network as we navigate through these challenging times.