From the classic volcano to creeping mold, École Père Mercure had an eruption of science projects last week, with students preparing for provincial competition.
For the Grade 4 to 6 category, Assia Delingoma, Grade 4, won first place for her colourful experiment, which explores surface tension.
Assia poured enough milk to cover the bottom of a plate, added a few drops of food colouring to the middle, then dipped a cotton swab soaked in dish soap in the centre. The result was spectacular, with the food colouring rushing away from the centre and forming patterns. The dish soap decreases the surface tension of the milk as it dissolves the fat molecules, which creates a current in the milk. The food colouring makes the reaction visible.
Assia will head to the provincial Fransaskois science expo in Regina April 7 to 8. Besides a chance at winning first, second or third place, Assia will have the chance to participate in a number of science-related activities.
The runner-up was Jack Martel, Grade 4, with a creative mold experiment.
In the Grade 7 to 10 category, Keltye Blais, Grade 8, won first place for her experiment, which showcased the various stages of a lunar eclipse.
The projects were judged by Andrew Miller and Clarence Briand.
A total of five EPM students will take part in a three-day provincial event held for francophone students in Grades 7 to 12, which starts today in Gravelbourg.
Keltye will be joined by Manuëlle Regnier, Grade 10, and Grade 7 students Hannah Adamcryk, Paisley Armstrong and Dawria Dickson.
Besides featuring a provincial science fair, CÉFOU will give francophone students from across the province the opportunity to hone their skills in the areas of sports, visual and performing arts, multimedia and journalism and pure science.
Entertainers, including the Ontario band, Swing, will perform for the over 400 students and staff expected to attend the event.
