ST. PAUL – On April 4, the St. Paul & District STEAM Society (SPDSS) hosted the first-ever Interdistrict Science Fair at Portage College. The event brought young scientists together to showcase their projects.
SPDSS is a local organization dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education in the community. The group organized the science fair to encourage students to pursue their interests in science and to showcase their creativity and innovation, according to society president Khurram Abbasi.
During the awards ceremony, Abbasi said, “I’ve seen kids doing amazing projects... mind-blowing projects.” Which he said is a reality check to the community that there is “a lot of potential” in the community’s youth.
RELATED: Inter-district science fair registration open until Dec. 31
Representatives from local businesses, St. Paul Education, municipalities, and politicians such as Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller and MLA David Hanson, were also present during the science fair.
Innovation Lab
The Society also introduced its innovation lab created in partnership with Portage College. The lab aims to provide St. Paul and district residents a space where multidisciplinary teams can collaborate on proposed ideas by local businesses, industry, and the community, according to information from SPDSS.
According to Abbasi, the Innovation lab’s programming will include Minecraft for Education, STEM and robotics, as well as research and innovation opportunities.
“There are a lot of businesses right in town that are not using technology,” he said. “And we want our kids to stay here. We've got to give them something that will make them competitive to the world.”
Abbasi said that this summer, SPDSS plans to go to businesses to inquire, “if we can help them.” For example, by setting up a website, helping with electronic invoicing, “anything electronic,” or building business systems.
The society thanked and gave recognition to members of the community who have helped promote STEAM education in the region.
Top Three
The projects that made up the science fair received various awards and prizes sponsored by members of the community.
Terra-Lee Gratton, director of education for SPDSS, presented the top three winners of the science fair.
Third place at the science fair went to “Remote Control Car” by Fatima Abbasi, 10. She received a voucher for free access to a workshop offered by SPDSS. She will also receive a voucher to the National Science Fair 2023, as well as a voucher for one internship opportunity with SPDSS, and a Portage College hoodie.
Second place was won by Ryan Noel, 12, and Kara Gerlinsky, 13, with their “Stomach Acid” project. The duo will receive the same prize as the third-place project. In addition, they will also receive six months of SPDSS membership, including discounted rates for workshops organized by the society.
"Colonization of Mars” by Abeera Abbasi, 13, won first place at the science fair and along with receiving the same prizes as the second and third place projects, Abeera will also receive one more voucher for an internship opportunity with SPDSS for 2023.
