Science fair features 200 of Montreal's brightest teens
Montreal’s scientists of tomorrow will descend upon Concordia’s downtown campus later this month for the Hydro-Québec Montreal Regional Science and Technology Fair (MRSTF).
Selected from among the winners of local school science fairs or recognized for their stellar class projects, about 200 area students aged 13-20 will be showcasing their work in the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV) from March 25 to 27.
“A research-based education gives students, in all levels of study, an invaluable foundation in methods and methodology, which will ultimately lead them to being better professionals and contributors to society,” says Christophe Guy, Concordia’s vice-president of Research and Graduate Studies.
“As a proud partner of the Hydro-Québec Montreal Regional Science and Technology Fair, we encourage everyone to visit the fair and see the work of these exceptional young researchers.”
The competition challenges English-speaking students to present their research projects to visitors in a creative and accessible manner.
Miriam Posner, manager of planning and academic facilities in the Faculty of Arts and Science, will reprise her role as chief judge for the sixth time.
Science and technology are all around us
How did you become involved in the science fair?
Miriam Posner: As an offshoot of my work in the Faculty of Arts and Science, I have been involved for over 30 years in numerous community outreach initiatives, specifically in bringing science and technology out of the classroom and into the community. This is an effort to foster an appreciation for, and understanding of, the important role science and technology plays in our everyday lives.
It was through my judging experiences that it occurred to colleagues and to me that Concordia would be a wonderful host of the science fair, allowing high school students the chance to experience life on a downtown university campus. And now, in 2018, Concordia is hosting the event for the sixth time – and the fourth year in a row!
Why is it so important to promote STEM-related disciplines to young people?
MP: Science and technology are all around us. Whether through space exploration, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, curing diseases or building electrical cars, they impact our everyday lives.
As such, it is essential that we, as a community, actively foster the curiosity and critical thinking of youth, as early as possible, to ensure a new and strong generation of budding scientists. Since science and technology by their very nature can be extremely intimidating to children, the responsibility to debunk this perception at a very young age rests with educators.
Through STEM-related activities, we expose children to the importance of research and research skills, as well as basic scientific concepts, and we promote a greater understanding of our world and our place in it.
As young people are open to new ideas and new challenges, the goal of events like the regional fair is to make science and technology ‘approachable.’
Do you have any STEM-education success stories to share?
MP: My greatest thrill was six years ago, after Concordia staff and students participated in an outreach event at a local public school. We received a thank-you note from one of the organizers stating that “many teachers and students spoke highly of the Concordia students who had volunteered; their enthusiasm and energy just hit them like lightning in the sky!”
All the hard work that went into coordinating the event was well worth it, and everyone benefits through participating. Our students are our best ambassadors, and they truly enjoy imparting their knowledge and influence on youth, while the children’s eyes are open wide with amazement! There is no better success story.
The Hydro-Québec Montreal Regional Science and Technology Fair (MRSTF) takes place in the Abe and Harriet Gold Atrium of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Building), Sir George Williams Campus.
Opening hours are 1 to 4 p.m. on March 25 and 26 , and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 27.
