Students Off to Canada-Wide Science Fair

Twenty-seven Nova Scotia students will push the boundaries of knowledge as they head to Calgary for the Canada-Wide Science Fair from May 10 to 18.

The students and their projects were chosen through a series of regional science fairs throughout most of the province.

The projects range from building a better artificial heart, to creating a neck protector for hockey players and from exploring water cooler contamination to investigating acid snow.

"These fairs motivate our students to pursue scientific exploration of subjects that interest them," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "Our young scientists are not only learning how to conduct experiments, but they also learn problem- solving and presentation skills. I wish them the best of luck at the national competition."

Natalie Lamothe, a Grade 9 student at Bible Hill Junior High School in Truro, is one of Nova Scotia's delegates going to the fair. She set out to find a waste product that would solve an environmental problem.

"Before I did this project, I didn't know much about environmental issues and our communities," she said. "Working on this project and going to the Canada-Wide Science Fair is opening up so many doors for me."

She compared the acidity of fly and bottom ash, the waste product of burning coal for electricity, from two power plants in the province. Her research showed that one plant produced high- alkaline ash because lime was added to the coal during burning.

Ms. Lamothe discovered that if this ash is spread over the acidic soil of old coal mines, the soil and the ash would neutralize each other. As a result, any run-off from the soil into lakes or rivers would be less harmful to wildlife.

"It's nice to learn something new and be recognized for it," she said. "It makes me want to work harder."

About 450 Grade 7 to 12 students from across the country will compete in six divisions for more than $200,000 in medals and prizes at the 2003 Canada-Wide Science Fair.

The fair is coordinated each year by the Youth Science Foundation Canada. The committee that coordinated the Chignecto Central East regional science fair has submitted a bid to host the fair in 2007. A decision by the foundation is expected during the fair.