I am pleased to report on another very successful FV Regional Science Fair, again hosted by Dr. Ian Affleck of the Science Dept. at UFV.  Dr. Affleck and his team did an outstanding job of organizing the judging and awards events. In total, 132 projects, 183 students and 21 schools were represented, showing a wider diversity of winners from different schools than in the past. It seems the education system and/or the Science Fair Foundation promoted the event more this year?

Our FV Power Pioneers Branch team consisting of Anita Jarrett, Chris Jarrett, Mel Peters and me, had 20 projects to judge that had self-nominated for our award.

The eventual winners were grade 11 students Lauren Pablo and Sawyer Forstbauer of Chilliwack Senior Secondary School for their project titled ” Different turbines based on nature” (see attached photo receiving the perpetual plaque, $100 cash and copies of the history book Voices from Bridge River). If anyone wants more detail on this fascinating idea/project, I would love to share it. Everything from studying whale fin efficiency to a virtual efficiency test using a 3D-printed turbine!!!

 We also met and congratulated their teacher, Scott Liang who coincidentally will be the official chaperone of the National Science Fair competitors in Edmonton AB (not Lauren and Sawyer).

Our runner-up winner was Grade 4 student Ava Gill of Blue Jay Elementary School in Abbotsford for her project titled ”Renewable Energy” Unfortunately, Ava was not able to attend the awards ceremony. She used a hair dryer to replicate wind with a working model of wind turbines actually lighting houses with LED lights.

Another great experience for all involved.

Respectfully submitted, Rick Unger

FV Branch, BC Hydro Power Pioneers