I recently participated in a Genome Alberta challenge to put forward a short video explaining Where Bio began for me. It was a lot of fun putting that little video together and it made me think about what influenced my interest in science. Many young students get their first real start in the sciences through independent project-based learning we know as Science Fair. For almost 50 years, Science Fairs have been organized across Canada. Science Fairs are held in elementary and secondary schools, outstanding projects are entered in regional fairs, and approximately 500 students meet (this year in Peterborough) at a Canada-Wide Science Fair. Past Science Fair participants and winners probably represent a Who’s Who among scientists in North America. I expect this to be documented in the next year or two.

We at Genome Alberta are very pleased this year to be sponsoring all nine affiliated Regional Science Fairs in Alberta. While we have been working with Science Fairs in Alberta since Genome Alberta was first established, this is the first year that we are working closely with all of the regions. Scientists and people working in the science and technology fields act as mentors, judges and organizers at these fairs. If you have worked with a Science Fair in the past, you know the thrill of listening to these young scientists having an “aha moment” or excitedly telling you of a major discovery they have made. If you have not helped out with a science fair perhaps this is the year to get involved. If you have children, get them involved, or take them to see a fair in your area. Below is a list of the Regional Science Fairs in Alberta along with their dates and locations.

region	fair date	fair location	City/town
Alberta Central East	April 1, 2010	J.C. Charyk Hanna School	Hanna, AB
Calgary Youth Science Fair	March 17 - 20, 2010	Big Four Building, Stampede Park	Calgary, AB
Canadian Rockies	March 24, 2010	Lawrence Grassi Middle School	Canmore, AB
Central Alberta Science Fair	March 26/27, 2010	Bower Place Shopping Centre	Red Deer, AB
Edmonton Science Fair	April 10/11, 2010	Northern Alberta Institute of Technology	Edmonton, AB
Kiwanis Southeast Alberta Science Fair	March 27, 2010	Medicine Hat College	Medicine Hat, AB
Lethbridge Science Fair	March 26/27, 2010	University of Lethbridge	Lethbridge, AB
Peace Country Science Fair	March 18, 2010	GPRC - Fairview Campus	Fairview, AB
Wood Buffalo	April 16/17, 2010	Keyano College	Fort McMurray, AB

Additional information about Science Fairs in Canada can be found at Youth Science Canada.