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Rotary Science Fair Algoma celebrates scientific thought, creativity of local students

Nearly 80 local students took part in this year's science fair

The awards portion of the 32nd annual Rotary Science Fair Algoma was a memorable event for first time participants Lily Mick and Kiera Pauze-Reid at the George Leach Centre Saturday.

The grade seven students from Boreal French Immersion won first place overall for their project entitled ‘Under Pressure.’

“I felt like I was going to collapse,” said Pauze-Reid. “I did not believe this was ever going to happen.”

The duo’s project was inspired by the pressures of going to school.

“It was really hard for us to think under pressure, and it was like...our brain was stunted, so we wanted to get behind that and see if it’s just us, or everyone,” said Pauze-Reid.

The pair used a sample size of 72 people for the project.   

“We found that the people who were not aware of the timer did 19.2 per cent better than the people who were aware of the timer,” Pauze-Reid said.

“We found out that our hypothesis - which was people that are timed will do worse - we found out that was true,” Mick said.

Judge-in-chief Sharron Valli told reporters following the awards ceremony that scientific thought, originality, creativity and communication all factored into the judging of the award winners.

The top two projects will go on to compete in the Canada Wide Science Fair in Fredericton, New Brunswick next month.   

“We did well, we’re happy,” said Valli. “We’re happy with what we’re sending to Fredericton, and we’re happy with the awards we have given out.”

A total of 51 exhibits were on display for judging during the event, which saw 76 students taking part.


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James Hopkin

About the Author: James Hopkin

James Hopkin is a reporter for SooToday in Sault Ste. Marie
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