Young minds at Inquiry Expo

Photo: Contributed

Some of the Central Okanagan brightest young minds will show off their imaginations at the Inquiry Expo today.

The rebranded district science fair is a highlight of the year for inquiring and innovative students, and an opportunity to share their learning with the community.

More than 80 projects by some 120 students will address topics from climate change, to sustainable clean energy.

The Expo’s theme is inquiry and innovation to problem solve real-world challenges using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

The event takes place at UBC Okanagan's Engineering, Management and Education building from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the public is welcome.

Students will showcase projects in three categories: general scientific inquiry (Grades K-12), innovative inquiry (K-12), and competitive scientific inquiry (Grades 6-12), with a chance to move on to the regional science fair.

“Inquiry Learning is an opportunity for students to use the process of inquiry to investigate the world around them,” says event co-ordinator Tobias Blaskovits. “This event helps our learners discover what it means to be learners, thinkers, innovators, contributors and collaborators.”

UBC students and professors will also provide demonstrations and hands-on activities to inspire higher-level learning.

"I hope the 2018 Central Okanagan Inquiry Expo will offer girls and boys a window into the endless possibilities of STEAM fields and inspire them to pursue higher education at an outstanding research university like UBC,” said Deborah Buszard, UBC’s deputy vice-chancellor and principal of the Okanagan campus.