(Brockville) – Students can learn about everything from how lasers can test the sugar content in juices to greener ways to rid our trees of bugs as participants in the 2008 Rideau-St. Lawrence Science Fair.

While it may seem early to think about it, organizers of the April 11-12 event are asking students to start planning now, as the time to create a quality project is limited.  A competitive project takes weeks of work because of planning and design as well as generating and analyzing data.

Participating in the fair, to be held at the Thousand Islands Mall, can help students succeed in their studies both at the high school level and later on in college or university, said Fair Chairman Rod Charlton.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to use basic scientific research skills and organize their findings in a way that helps them explain it to others,” said Charlton on Tuesday.

“You have to come up with a hypothesis, figure out an experiment design, conduct the experiment, generate data, and analyze it to draw a conclusion.  These are the kinds of skills everyone needs not only for college or university, but to succeed in life.”

Entries are also judged by people who have expertise in various scientific fields, giving students a chance to explain their projects to others who “speak the language,” said Charlton.

The fair will be open to students in three age categories: junior (grades 7-8), intermediate (grades 9-10), and senior (grades 11-12).  Entrants will compete in a range of categories including: Biotechnology, Physical Science, Life Science, Engineering, Computing, and Earth and Environmental Science.

Past student projects have used a catapult to determine the best angle for a free-throw in basketball, tested the effects of light on plant growth, determined whether horses with certain eyes have a better temperament than others, and even tested the chemical frogs use to stay alive while nearly frozen during winter hibernation.

There are some amazing prizes up for grabs at this year’s event.  Students can compete for a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Ottawa, given for the top project in science or engineering.  There is a new $100 bursary from VIA Rail for the top project in environmental science.  Students can also vie for a host of non-monetary awards donated by a variety of local associations.

The top winners at the fair receive an all-expenses paid trip to the national science fair, which will be held May 11 -17 at the University of Ottawa.  Past winners at the national level have walked off with university scholarships valued as high as $3,000, adds Charlton.

Students are asked to get started by visiting the science fair Web site at www.rslsf.ca.  The site includes information on last year’s successful entries to help inspire students.  It also contains information on how to prepare a science fair report, and an on-line version of the application form for students to download and print.  Students can gain helpful information on preparing a successful project through the Youth Science Foundation Web site at www.ysf.ca or the Innovation Canada site at www.innovationcanada.ca.

The next step is for students to consult with their teacher advisors and begin work on their projects.  Charlton is encouraging science teachers to work as a team with English teachers to make participation a lesson in interdisciplinary learning.

While the science is important, presentation is also a major factor in scoring.  Charlton said knowing how to sell your project, as well as how to make a written presentation, can make the difference between a good scientific project and a winner.

Students often gain experience with their projects at their high school fairs, usually held in February or March.  High school fairs offer a chance for students to take a dry run and have their projects evaluated before entering the Rideau -St. Lawrence event.  However, Charlton stressed that any student can enter a project at the regional fair, whether they competed at their high school fair or not.

Cost to enter the fair is $10 this year.  Students must complete the final registration form and submit signed permission forms in person on Wednesday, April 2 at the Thousand Islands Mall.  A science fair booth will accept registrations from 5-8 p.m.

Any school principals who would like a presentation made to their students on how the fair works can contact Charlton, who would be glad to pay a visit and explain the benefits of entering the event.

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For more information please contact:

Rod Charlton

RSLSF Chairman

613-498-0648

rcharlton@ripnet.com