Youth Science Canada and the Canada-Wide Science Fair

Every year, over 500,000 young Canadians participate in project-based science – as many as are registered in play minor hockey. Unlike hockey, the numbers don’t last. And no wonder. If we played hockey the way we play science – “Read the chapter on body-checking and answer the questions at the back” – there would be a lot less hockey in this country.

Since 1962, Youth Science Canada has played a vital role in nurturing the scientific impulse amongst our youth - encouraging them to get their hands dirty and develop scientific and technological knowledge and skills through project-based science.

Fired by the energy of over 8,000 volunteers – educators, scientists, engineers and parents across a network of over 100 regional organizations - Youth Science Canada works to capture the imaginations of young Canadians and broaden their access to science.

Today's youth are the next generation of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. We want to ensure that all young Canadians have the chance to peer through a microscope and be mesmerized by what they see. We want a country where teachers look forward to teaching science, where parents are thrilled to be "science parents," and kids can't wait to play science.

Vision

Canada benefits from the innovative science and technology contributions of

its youth.

Mission

Youth Science Canada engages youth through science in inquiry and critical thinking.

History

Canada saw its first science fairs in 1959 when Winnipeg, Edmonton, Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver all hosted fairs. Two years later the volunteers formed the Canadian Science Fairs Council to coordinate efforts and share ideas for success.

In 1966, the Council was replaced by the Youth Science Foundation. Its purposes went beyond science fairs, to support scientists and teachers, coordinate extra-curricular activities in science, engineering and technology, and promote a better understanding of the role of these fields in national and international affairs. In 1995 the organization changed its name to Youth Science Foundation Canada and in 2008 to Youth Science Canada.

Many organizations are engaged in the challenge to interest youth in science, engineering and technology. Only Youth Science Canada, however, has 50 years of experience to its credit, and a network of thousands of dedicated volunteers working from coast to coast to coast.

National Judging Advisory Committee

National Science Fair Program

Each year approximately half a million young Canadians undertake science and technology projects, either as part of their schoolwork or as a personal interest. Of that number, more than 25,000 young scientists participate in over 100 Regional Science Fairs in every province and territory. There, they showcase their research and design achievements and compete to represent their region at the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF).

Judging at the Canada-Wide Science Fair

The National Judge-in-Chief is responsible for the integrity and consistency of the judging process in the National Science Fairs Program and for ensuring the consistent application of Youth Science Canada judging policy and procedures at Canada-Wide Science Fairs. He/she is the final authority on judging issues for the National Science Fair Program.

The National Judging Committee (NJC) monitors Youth Science Canada policies and procedures relating to all aspects of judging, and makes recommendations for change to the Executive Director in consultation with the National Science Fair Committee.

Awards to Youth Science Canada

2003

ITAC Community IT Hero Award

Information Technology Association of Canada

The award is presented in recognition of leadership and dedication to community improvement through the innovative use of information technology.

Visit ITAC for details.

1996

Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion

Science & Engineering Research Canada (NSERC)

The award honours individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada, through activities encouraging popular interest in science or developing science abilities.

Visit NSERC for details.