Two students from the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) will represent the region at the Canada-Wide Science Fair after earning gold medals at a virtual regional science fair hosted last month by York University.
Patricia Rea from Markham District High School won gold for her presentation on BioGrade Yeast: Protecting Martian Biofactories with a Novel cfAFP-501-CcMreB Polymer. Noah Bryan from Elementary Virtual School earned top honours for his presentation on Hand Washing Always Wins, But Why at the Cost of Dry Damaged Skin?
More than 50 students from across York Region participated in the virtual regional science fair, held April 6 to 10. The annual event gives students an opportunity to showcase their scientific knowledge and problem-solving and critical thinking skills. In addition to the two gold medal winners mentioned above, another YRDSB student won a silver medal, two earned bronze and five received honourable mentions.
“We are so proud of all of our students who participated in this first virtual regional science fair and the educators who have supported their learning,” says Heather Sears, Superintendent of Education, Curriculum and Instructional Services. “Our students continue to impress us with their scientific knowledge, the connections they make, and their innovative and creative approaches.”
The Canada-Wide Science Fair is the country’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event. It has been held every year since 1962 with the exception of 2020, when it was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In addition to scientific, social, and cultural activities, the 500 finalists compete for medals, cash prizes, scholarships and exclusive opportunities. This year’s event will be held virtually from May 17 to 21.
Main photo of Patricia Rea and smaller photo of Noah Bryan courtesy of the York Region District School Board.
