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July08-CWSF-Best-Student-Pictures.pdf

The Annual Canada-Wide Science Fair, held May 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario, was once again a resounding success! Over $150,000 in cash, scholarships,and other prizes were won by the participating students. This year, the CAP sponsored an award for the best physics projects in the senior category. The prize consisted of a cash award of $1,000 plus a CAP plaque commemorating their achievement. The winner of the 2008 CAP prize was :

Alice Jourmel
Grade 11/Secondary V
Frances Kelsey Secondary
Duncan, BC

Dynamic Testing of Strength and Vibration Properties of Hardwoods

This project examined the relationships within and between the strength and vibration properties of hardwoods by dynamically testing the modulus of elasticity, impact surface hardness, logarithmic decrement, and speed of sound in four hardwood species. New equipment was designed and constructed by the exhibitor to do the testing, and extensive use was made of mathematics and graphing to correlate and determine the various relationships.

A thank you from our winner

Thank you for supporting the Canada-Wide Science Fair and its participants by sponsoring the CAP Physics Prize that I received along with the Senior Gold Medal in Physical and Mathematical Sciences for my project. In it I explored and compared dynamic and static methods of determining the density, modulus of elasticity, impact surface hardness (a property and testing method I developed), logarithmic decrement, and speed of sound in fifteen samples of each of four species of hardwoods. I also examined the relationships between these properties.

I benefitted greatly from being able to present my project at the regional and national levels. At the CWSF in Ottawa I had the opportunity to share my work with professional scientists and engineers, with finalists who had similar interests, with students on school tours, and with both VIP visitors and ordinary citizens. I was glad of the chance to have my project examined by professionals in the field I wish to enter, and to demonstrate my enthusiasm for science and engineering to those not directly involved (or not involved yet) in these areas.

There were many other engaging, interesting, and just plain fun activities in which I took part in Ottawa, and I have no doubt that my participation in this and past CWSF’s has opened doors for me. For instance, this summer I will be attending the Shad Valley program at the University of Calgary and then participate in the Marine Plants and Algae Summer Youth forum at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, on the west coast of Vancouver Island; I’m certain my science fair participation and awards contributed significantly to my acceptance in these programs. And especially, the money will help me continue my education!

Attending the CWSF has affirmed my desire to pursue a career in either science or engineering, and your generosity has made it easier for me to achieve my goal of a post-secondary education. Thank you once again for your support - it is greatly appreciated.