Saturday, May 13 was one of the most exciting days of my life. That was the day I arrived in London, Ont. for the Canada Wide Science Fair 2000.
Young scientists from all across Canada would be taking part in judging and activities for eight days, with 550 grade seven-12 and OAC students presenting 350 projects.
Becky Evans and Tracy Kay from Sioux Lookout, and I were the three students chosen to represent Sunset Region in London. We travelled with chaperone Mike Rush from St. Joseph’s School in Dryden.
In London, all fair participants stayed in residence at the University of Western Ontario. Our projects were set up in Thompson Arena, a 15-minute walk away.
We were judged two out of eight days, and the fair was open to the public for another two days after that. The rest of the time featured activities and trips.
All participants could choose from a number of tours. I had an interesting look at new technologies at the National Research Council in London. We also went to a movie of our choice at the mall.
Another day, I went on the African Lion Safari, which was another highlight of my trip. That is where all the monkeys attack your vehicles. The rhinos were cool–I never realized they were so big.
I also enjoyed a round of mini golf but rain cancelled the go-carts.
The awards banquet/dance took place Friday, May 19. As a member of Team Ontario, I received a participants’ team jacket, and all participants received T-shirts, and backpacks with juggle balls and juggling instructions.
The last event was “juggling on the hill,” where everybody who learned to juggle during the week assembled to show off their new skills.
My trip was fun. I met many new friends, and it was definitely worth the hard work. I encourage all students to work hard on next year’s science fair projects.
CSWF 2001 takes place in Kingston, Ont.
Note: Although Neilson did not win a prize at the fair with his crystal radio project, he noted he was looking forward to next year’s event after getting some inspiration from the projects he saw at this one.
“There were lots of smart people and they had good ideas,” he said. “One student in grade 12 built a CO2 laser and another built a wireless e-mail pager.”
And while Neilson hopes to make it to next year’s regional competition in Dryden once again, he might change his focus to something a little more futuristic than a crystal radio.
“I think I’ll do something about computer engineering and robotics,” he remarked.
Fort Frances Times
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