Students put scientific skills to the test

THUNDER BAY – Anastasia MacDonald is hoping to one day pursue a career in the health sciences.

The 17-year-old was one of about 50 students from local and regional high schools participating in the annual Science Olympics at Lakehead University on Friday to test their knowledge in a number of different challenges.

“I think this is a really good opportunity to test how much you know outside of the school environment so it’s interesting to see how what you learned in school plays a part in real life situations,” she said.

Anastasia, a Grade 12 student at St. Ignatius High School, said she is hoping to take health sciences and medicine programs at university.

The one-day competition was a great way for her to learn practical skills and see how knowledge is just one part of working through scientific problems.

“There are so many different varieties of science and teambuilding is just as important as your knowledge of science,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot of different concepts and had to jot back through a couple of years of science courses.”

The event, which is now in its sixth year, is co-organized by Lakehead University’s faculties of education, engineering and science and environmental studies.

It features separate tasks relating to chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering.

John O’Meara, dean of education, said the challenge is designed to have students learn about how use their education in a practical setting.

“They’re applying the knowledge they learn in their science courses in school. All of this is really directed to the curriculum but they have to take that knowledge and use it,” he said.

“The other part that’s important is that in order to be successful they must work together and cooperate. They’re learning teamwork on the spot because that’s what they need to complete the challenges.”

The students are separated into two divisions. Grades 9 and 10 students are in the junior division while Grades 11 and 12 students are in the senior division.

O’Meara said it’s clear the students take the event seriously.

“They’ve very engaged when they get here,” he said. “When they’re involved in the events they have to work together and are very committed. They’re enthusiastic and very focused.”