From using plastic waste to 3D print medical devices, making soccer accessible for wheelchair users or creating Air “Bee” n “Bees” for our pollinator friends during the winter months, this year’s 43rd System Innovation Science and Engineering Fair proved once again that our future is bright.
Taking place on February 28 at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, elementary students from 27 schools were challenged to move away from traditional experiments and instead apply the scientific inquiry process and the engineering design process to address and identify problems within their school, home, community or globally.
“This theme encourages students to see their learning not just as academic work but as a way to contribute meaningfully to the world God has entrusted to us,” said Co-Chairpersons Jenna Frank and Jennifer Townsend-Leenderste.
“Rooted in our Catholic faith, we are reminded that our gifts are to be used in service to others through innovation, stewardship and compassion.”
This year also marked the launch of the Elementary Skills Competition. In this new feature of the Fair, students engaged in performance-based hands-on STEM challenges that mirror the structure and intent of the Ontario skills competition, which promotes excellence in skilled trades and technologies, and celebrate student achievements in technical and applied skills.
In LEGO Robotics, teams built and programmed their robots to navigate the course and complete firefighting rescue missions. In LEGO Mechanical Engineering, students designed and built a LEGO fire truck capable of transporting a firefighter and raising and lowering a ladder to rescue a stranded person.
The challenges connected to the Ontario Science and Technology Curriculum, and were designed to mirror the spirit of Skills Ontario competitions.
The event was made possible thanks to the dedication of the many volunteers, educators, families, and community members who supported the competition and helped create an inspiring experience for all involved.
In bringing greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairperson of the Board Mr. John Valvasori offered his appreciation for everyone who contributed to the event.
“Thank you to the teachers who have committed themselves to nurturing the talents of all these young students who have taken part in this competition and their parents for their encouragement, their guidance, and their support throughout the event.”
Speaking directly to the student participants, Mr. Valvasori commended their creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning.
“If you use your creativity and hard work throughout your lives, as you have done in your projects, you can change this world in a positive way.”
Adding words of greetings on behalf of senior administration, Director of Education Mr. David Hansen, shared that the day’s celebration “is what happens when young people are trusted to notice real problems in their schools and communities, ask brave questions and build hopeful solutions.”
“That kind of thinking is transformative.”
“Great ideas grow when we listen, revise and build together,” adding that the most important lesson learned during this process was not only “can we make it,” but “should we make it” and “will it be helpful?”
“Because you've learned to care about others by listening to problems that affect people, and you've learned that the best innovation projects support creation and uphold the dignity of all people. That's where science is truly at its best.”
The day concluded with an awards ceremony which recognized top projects with a bronze, silver or gold medal. A BASEF award was also presented to the top intermediate project, while Environmental Awards recognized the top projects in that area.
Click here for results.
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