The third-annual Keewatin Regional Science Fair, hosted by the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), took place Feb. 24-25 at the Thompson Regional Community Centre. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects were the focus of the event, which included approximately 40 students and teachers.
Rosely Booth, a science consultant and facilitator with the MFNERC, said the science fair, which covers the Thompson region, was an amazing self-esteem and education boost for the students.
“As they show their projects, they are able to talk in front of other people,” she said, “like public speaking. It’s a great improvement in that area. Also, it gives them an opportunity to have a deep understanding of science and show that First Nations were the first scientists. That gives them the opportunity to be showcasing their work, and of course development in the areas of language, mathematics and English. All of these areas are being touched on by these projects.”
Booth said the fair is about the love of science and inquiry.
“This is a very new fair,” she explained. “That’s why we don’t have that many projects today. But we are going to choose three students who are going to present their projects at the National Science Fair in Edmonton. We have 10 students from Manitoba First Nations who are going to present their projects and compete at the National Science Fair.”
