The annual Toronto Science Fair was in full swing on 2 April 2016. Approximately 300 science-driven students from Grades 7-12 were in attendance with their studies, experiments and innovations.
Students could compete in many different fields, ranging from environmental engineering to computer programming. Ultimately, the Toronto Science Fair seeks to uncover the next generation of brilliant minds, and provide a forum for them to communicate their ideas and findings. Students could formulate a project alone or in partnership.
The competition comprised of a tri-fold board displaying the student’s findings and a brief oral presentation to three judges, mostly graduate school students. In addition, there was a open exhibit where students could present their ideas to the public.
Participants also had the opportunity to attend two lectures delivered by volunteers. The first focused on emerging environmental technologies to assess water quality. Students were given a choice for the other, with options ranging from the forensic sciences taught by a member of the Toronto Police Service to lessons on new astronomical discoveries.
As participant Arani Kulamurugan recounted, “Science fair gave me a chance to reach beyond what I thought I could ever do, and I had a great time participating in it with my friends. ”
For the delegates from MGCI, not only was the fair a valuable experience, but a successful one as well.
In addition to bronze, silver and gold rankings, students can also receive various awards funded by sponsors. Garneau students won the following awards:
Matthew Chiang & Lawrence Pang: UTSC Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences Award & Gold Award
Jeffrey Liu & James Lin: Gold Award
Deifilia To & Dorothy Qian: University of Ottawa Scholarship & Silver Award
Saiyam Patel: Silver Award
Helen Lin & Hannah Nie: Silver Award
Cheng Cheng Lin & Adrian Yip: Bronze Award
Arani Kulamurugan & Matthew Tse: Bronze Award
Russell Ijaya & Caryn Qian: Bronze Award
Many Grade 9 students from MGCI were also interested in attending the Toronto Science Fair. However, there is an upper limit of ten projects per school. Nevertheless, with the growing passion of young scientists here at MGCI, it is undeniable that Toronto students will be the innovative minds of the future.
