Jessie – Australian Science

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2013

Jessie — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:26:43 +0000

As a five-time alumnus of the Canada-Wide Science Fair, I believed I had a thorough understanding of young scientists and their capabilities. However, my previous STEM experiences could not prepare me for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
As the largest pre-college competition for young scientists, this event brings together over 1600 students from 70 countries. Setting aside language and cultural barriers, students are brought together through their shared insatiable curiosity and passion for science and innovation. This year, Intel ISEF took place in Phoenix, Arizona from May 12-17.
Team Canada arrived in Phoenix on May 11 after attending a media training event in Toronto. From the moment we stepped off the plane we were greeted by friendly volunteers and the excited Brazilian team. Our first encounter with each of the Intel ISEF finalists took place at the lively and exciting pin trading event. Being able to interact with passionate young scientists from around the world evoked a sense of pride in both our country and our generation. Every student in that ballroom was already changing the world, and it was exiting to imagine what they would accomplish in the future. Despite only knowing how to speak English and French, the Canadian team (myself included) immensely enjoyed interacting with other finalists and learning about the cultural differences between each participating country.
At the opening ceremonies, each finalist arrived with a heart full of national pride and many flags to hold high. The Canadian team paraded around the arena, cheering and singing with the other countries. During the “international shout out

Cite this article:
MacAlpine J (2013-06-17 06:26:43). Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2013. Australian Science. Retrieved: May 06, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/news/intel-international-science-and-engineering-fair-2013/

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Science Expo: Enrich, Empower, Explore

Jessie — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:03:21 +0000

Students interact with enrichment exhibitors at Science Expo 2013: Derive and Integrate.

The Science Expo Youth Empowerment Group (SEYEG) is a student run, non-profit organization which aims to connect youth to innovators and enrichment opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). SEYEG was founded by five students who met at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2009. In 2010, the first Science Expo, a 2-hour conference held in Guelph, Ontario, brought together over 200 students, teachers and parents. Today, SEYEG includes a student and teacher outreach program, an alumni mentorship program (EXPOtential) and a creative competition (meriSTEM) in addition to an annual conference.
Science Expo 2013: Derive and Integrate, Science Expo’s fourth annual conference, took place this past Saturday at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Canada. The conference brought together over one hundred high-achieving students from across the province interested in pursuing STEM enrichment opportunities. With guest speakers, networking workshops and STEM challenges, the day was a huge success and the delegates returned home with a renewed passion for discovery.
The morning began with a delightful science magic show, where Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Oslinger showed off their impressive comedic and chemistry skills. A literal ice breaker followed, in which delegates were challenged to melt a bag of ice as fast as they could without using body heat. Students were even seen holding ice to light bulbs in the ceiling!
During lunch, delegates were given the chance to interact with exhibitors from various STEM programs. Youth Science Canada, Shad Valley, the University Ontario Institute of Technology, Engineers Without Borders and Australian Science are a few of the organizations with which students could get involved.
Guest speakers this year included:
• Dr. Steve Mann, the father of wearable computing
• Dr. Brad Brass, co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize
• Paul Nazareth, business advisor
• Laura Suen, Canada’s Smartest Person, runner-up
Each presentation was inspirational and insightful, demonstrating important life lessons to attendees. Dr. Mann touched on the importance of thinking outside of the box when approaching a scientific concept, while Paul Nazareth and Dr. Bass illustrated the power of networking. Laura Suen mentioned the concept of happy accidents through the presentation of her past successes.

Delegates at Science Expo 2013 play with the Hydraulophone, a liquid instrument invented by Dr. Steve Mann.

The day also included presentations from the finalists of the meriSTEM competition. In its foundational year, meriSTEM is a competition that allows participants to create anything which captures an interesting aspect of STEM. Five finalists presented these creative projects, with the winner receiving a $500 scholarship.
For more information on Science Expo’s initiatives and how you can get involved, please send an e-mail to info@science-expo.org or check out their website at www.science-expo.org .

Cite this article:
MacAlpine J (2013-03-04 00:03:21). Science Expo: Enrich, Empower, Explore. Australian Science. Retrieved: May 06, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/news/science-expo-enrich-empower-explore/

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Weekly Science Picks

Jessie — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 17:55:20 +0000

With the exponential growth of scientific research, there were a plethora of articles which could have been reported this week. A few that caught my attention are listed below.

A Future of Genetically Superior Humans

On Wednesday it was reported that geneticists have moved into an area of research previously believed to be highly unethical. Researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University took steps to prevent women from giving birth to children with genetic diseases. “That kind of genetic engineering has been ruled off-limits,” says Marcy Darnovsky of the Centre for Genetics and Society. As the Dartmouth bioethicist Ronald Green mentions, this kind of research could lead to generations of genetically superior humans. A concerning concept, I’m left with visions of the novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley warning of such actions. http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/10/24/163509093/geneticists-breach-ethical-taboo-by-changing-genes-across-generations

The Dangers of Pumpkin Carving

In light of Halloween this Wednesday
, this article caught my attention as families throughout Canada and the USA begin carving pumpkins in preparation for this spooky holiday. “Even with optimal treatment, injuries from pumpkin carving accidents may leave people with compromised hand function,

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Ada Lovelace Day: celebrating women in science, technology, engineering and maths

Jessie — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 06:56:19 +0000

In the 1800s, Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician, worked with inventor Charles Babbage on a plan for an “analytical engine.

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Australian Science Reflection

Jessie — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:04:06 +0000

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to travel to the land down under. I remember that my frequent response to the question “what do you want to do today?

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