MARCH IS "YOUTH SCIENCE MONTH" IN CANADA

February 3, 2010

Science is everywhere: from online games and iPads to snacks, sneakers and skateboards. And great science can come from anywhere: white-coated scientists in labs or kids in farm fields. Over 25,000 young Canadians enter local and regional science fairs each year, vying to be among the 500 who qualify for the Canada-Wide Science Fair in May, hosted this year in Peterborough, Ontario. Youth Science Month celebrates the incredible work being done by Canadian youth.

Proclaimed by Youth Science Canada, Youth Science Month is supported by a host of Premiers, provincial Ministers, and other community leaders.

Youth Science Canada Executive Director, Reni Barlow notes that, "Canadian fifteen year-olds are third in the world for science achievement, but many are not choosing science and technology for post-secondary study or careers. For many, something is missing - the opportunity to experience science first-hand, to do real science and see it as challenging but fun." Youth Science Canada exists to give Canadian youth these opportunities through project-based science, science fairs and programs that support and celebrate their efforts.

Information about science fairs in your area is available from Find Your Fair on the Youth Science Canada web site. Click the link for more information about Youth Science Month.

About Youth Science Canada
Since 1962, Youth Science Canada has played a vital role in nurturing the scientific impulse amongst our youth – encouraging them to develop scientific and technological knowledge and skills. Fired by the tireless energy of over 8,000 volunteers: educators, scientists and parents across a network of over 100 local organizations in every province and territory, Youth Science Canada works to capture their imaginations and broaden their access to science.