Thea Keomanivong and Georgia Ulrickson, Grade 9 students at SCA Secondary, are showcasing their project “Capturing the Sun” at the school’s STEMposium on December 20.

Sherwood Park, AB. — On December 20, Strathcona Christian Academy (SCA) Secondary students are showcasing projects more creatively explosive than baking soda volcanoes at the school’s seventh STEMposium. “I learned so much about how solar panels work and about solar energy,” says Thea Keomanivong, a Grade 9 student at the school, who’s working with fellow classmate Georgia Ulrickson on their project “Capturing the Sun.” “What I liked most about this project was the team work we did together.”

Samantha Jones, a teacher at SCA Secondary, organizes the STEM fair for her Grade 9 science classes each semester. “They’re allowed to study anything they’d like in any of the STEM-related fields,” says Jones. “This semester the projects once again explore a wide range of topics. From ‘The Effect of Routines vs. Superstitions in Hockey Performance’ to studying ‘Natural vs. Artificial Sugars’ and investigating ‘The Reality of the Placebo Effect,’ we’ve got an amazing lineup. Another project asks, ‘Do Skittles Actually Have Different Flavours?’ and there are also several that focus on emotions, such as ‘The Science of Fear’ and ‘Do Babies Have Emotional Intelligence?’”

The fair is open to friends and family members, allowing students the opportunity to share the project they’ve worked on for two months. Three judges—who are professionals in a STEM position—attend the STEMposium. From all the inventive projects, they select one that excels in four areas: organization, project knowledge, creativity and aesthetics. The winner receives a $50 prize.

“It’s been a pleasure to do this project with my Grade 9 classes for the seventh time,” adds Jones. “As we build into this every year, students continue to come up with fresh ideas and exciting projects. I’m even seeing students in grades 7 and 8 starting to think about their projects before they meet me in Grade 9! It’s so rewarding to see how proud they are after they put in such hard work for two months. It’s one of my favourite ways to encourage investigation and problem-solving in school.”

The last STEMposium was held in May where the winning project was “What Factors Influence Mould Formation?”

Representatives of the media are welcome to attend the STEMposium at SCA Secondary. For more event details, contact the school directly.

NOTE: School administration has the responsibility to limit media coverage only to students approved for interviews. Reporters attending the event are requested to receive permission from a school representative before interviewing or photographing students. Thank you for your co-operation, and for joining us.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902