Totally negative story about Grand View Public School (6 photos)

Abi Higham from Grand View Public School was chock full of negativity Friday as a Van de Graaff generator pumped her with negatively charged subatomic particles.

Higham and other students from Mr. Glassford's Grade 5 class were attending ARTIE (Advanced Research and Technology Innovation Expo), an annual event organized by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre for elementary school students from kindergarten to Grade 8.

This year's ARTIE took place at Mill Square.

"We had 450 kids this morning," said Nicole Chiasson, director of education and northern programs at Science North, which partnered in the event.

"This afternoon, we'll have another 490 kids. We've got 11 exhibitors that are connected to biology, technology, robotics, organics - a whole variety of exhibitors that are touching all aspects of science and technology," said Chiasson.

This year, the popular ARTIE event was part of the first-ever Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival, a five-day scientific extravaganza that ends Saturday with a day-long science carnival at the Mill Square Machine Shop, 75 Huron Street.

The free family event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

"We've got about 27 exhibitors. It's going to be a really busy day. Lots to do. Lots of hands-on things including face-painting," Chiasson said.