By Conner Toffan

Students learning more than science at Southeast Alberta Science Fair

Apr 6, 2019 | 6:38 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Students across multiple schools in Medicine Hat made their way to Medicine Hat College on Saturday to show off the work they’ve done over the past months.

Many students learned things beyond acids, bases, molecules and energy at the Kiwanis Southeast Alberta Science Fair as Peter Wallis, Chair of the Science Fair Committee believes.

“They learn a good deal about the particular project they’re doing, but they also learn how to present themselves and how to be confident talking to other people,” said Wallis.

He has also seen every participant presenting their projects to anyone walking by. Later in the day, those people were judges.

“Who isn’t terrified to stand up in front of a bunch of judges that come and see what your work is all about. So once they’ve done that, not once, not twice, but three or four times at a fair like this, it certainly boosts their confidence.”

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat artist donates calendars for senior centre to raise money

Dec 17, 2024

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

Wallis believes this can help them be confident in day-to-day life.

“Next time someone asks them to explain themselves they’ll be more likely to stand-up and tell people what they’ve been doing and not be shy and hide away.”

Daphne Thompson, a grade nine student who was presenting at the fair, says she’s learned about overcoming failure through creating her project.

“I’ve learned trial and error is a big part of science. When you don’t get the first one, well guess what, you know it doesn’t work. You move on and you do the next one. You improve and it’s essential,” said Thompson.

she believes that one day her work in science can become influential.

“Not only is it learning more stuff which is fun. But research leads to new information that applies to often, everyone in their life. We live in science, we need science.”

Ari Cowan and grade five partner Kelian Piayda were proud enough of their project that they wanted to test how far they could take it.

“I’ve obviously been interested in things like this so I wanted to put myself out there to see what I can do,” said Cowan.

The duo tested the acidity of different solutions by breaking down steel wool. For Piayda, the project had a surprising outcome as he said he has learned about something simple, household cleaning.

“People use coke to clean there toilet seat or the tire of their car, or to get rust spots away in general. But we have a better solution, vinegar, mainly because it’s a higher acid. It’s stronger and it’s a little bit better on the PH,” said Piayda, who later added that you dilute the vinegar and wear gloves while using the solution to be safe.