Brandon University was a buzzing with energy that can only come from kids who are excited about Science from across western Manitoba yesterday at the annual Western Manitoba Science Fair!

Just over 250 research projects were on display, with just over 360 students prepared to share their research process, strategy and conclusions with numerous judges, parents and the public!

The 368 students participating at the WMSF all were top contenders at their own school science fairs last month, securing their place at the WMSF in Brandon.  Over 100 judges came to the fair to help narrow the hundreds of students down to four winners who will travel to Carlton University in Ottawa at the end of May.

Co-coordinator of the event, Charlotte McConnell says the students get to present their hard work to their own school communities, the public and other students outside their schools, all in the space of other like-minded science enthusiasts who love to learn about some really cool things!

"So, this Science Fair is kind of that next step for them, and they really do get excited about coming to this event," shares McConnell. "It is rewarding for them!"

"You can tell how excited the students get when they talk about their projects," she adds. "They're just waiting to present their projects to as many judges as they can and as many people in the public that they can."

Grades 1-4 students were in one area of the Health Living Centre at Brandon U.  The Grades 5-12 students were in a separate area of the same building.

McConnell says a lot of the older students work with professors at the university if they're doing more of an experimental project and need access to the labs.

"And we do encourage that," she adds. "As long as they do their own project still, we encourage them working with a mentor if it fits in with their project. They're aiming for that higher level.  They're aiming to go to the Canada Wide Science Fair!"

The Awards Ceremony was held around 4 pm on the Tuesday afternoon with four students from the Grade 7-12 set of presenters having the chance to travel to Ottawa at the Canada Wide.

Please listen to more with Charlotte McConnell below!

2024 Best of Fair 

Abereham Moges - Christian Heritage School, Grade 7 - Mood Foods

Runners Up

Angelina Zhang - École New Era School, Grade 8 - Enviro & Genetic Factors in Cancer Risk

​Danielle Vrignon- École La Source, Grade 11 - Buzzicompteur

​Diego Gaudet -École La Source, Grade 12- Chitine : Chic ou chagrin

Full Winners List and all Awards list click HERE!

Pictures below are from Tuesday's Western Manitoba Science Fair at Brandon University.