4-H Canada Youth Innovators Blaze Trail to the Canada-Wide Science Fair
Ottawa, ON, March 21, 2024 – Two finalists from the 4-H Canada Science Fair, Mark Norregaard of Balzac, AB, and Nia Smith from Brandon, MB, have earned their way to the prestigious 2024 Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF).
Following an initial virtual round in January 2024, the second round of the 4-H Canada Science Fair was hosted by Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in Olds, AB from Feb. 28 to March 3. Eight participants presented their projects in the hopes of moving on to the CWSF, which is the country’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) event.
“I’d like to extend sincere congratulations to Mark and Nia on advancing to the CWSF,” said 4-H Canada Interim CEO, Hugh Maynard. “It’s always exciting to see the innovation and creativity youth apply to real-life challenges in the world of STEM, and we’re very proud to offer opportunities where our 4-H youth leaders can effect positive change in the world around them. Thank you to Olds College for hosting, and to our partner and longstanding supporter of the 4-H Canada Science Fair, Bayer CropScience Canada.”
Mark Norregaard presenting his 4-H Canada Science Fair project, “Blood Plasma Titre Response to a Novel Mycoplasma Bovis Vaccine in Cattle.”
Photo Credit: © 4-H Canada
Norregaard, 17, is no stranger to the 4-H Canada Science Fair - with 2024 marking his fifth time as a finalist. This year, he focused on comparing the response between vaccinated and non-vaccinated calves prior to grass and weaning time. His project was inspired by the desire to help decrease outbreaks of Bovine Respiratory Disease in calf populations.
Nia Smith earned her spot at the Canada-Wide Science Fair with her project, “Seed Starting for a Home Hydroponic System.”
Photo Credit:© 4-H Canada
Making her debut at the 4-H Canada Science Fair, Smith, 14, was driven to help improve the success of home hydroponic systems. Her project compared four different mediums for starting seeds, and provided findings on which medium works best for a hydroponic system to achieve the highest germination rate.
“It was a true honour to be a judge at this year’s 4H Canada National Science Fair Competition at Olds College,” says Ashley Smith, Market Manager – Crop Protection at Bayer Crop Science Canada. “Both Mark and Nia demonstrated tremendous leadership and innovation for the future of food production. Through STEM opportunities like this, we get a first-hand glimpse into the next generation of scientists, policy contributors, engineers, and visionary catalysts in agriculture!”
Mark Norregaard and Nia Smith celebrate their success at the 2024 4-H Canada Science Fair.
Photo Credit:© 4-H Canada
The Science Fair is part of 4-H Canada’s ongoing commitment to further developing STEM skills and knowledge through positive youth development programming. The event is made possible through support from 4-H Canada’s Science & Technology Pillar Partner, Bayer CropScience Canada, and the Government of Canada.
As interest in 4-H STEM programming continues to grow, 4-H Canada and Bayer CropScience Canada are working together to ensure youth have access to experiential learning opportunities that better their communities, create global citizens, and build leaders of today.
For more information on the 4-H Canada Science Fair, visit 4-h-canada.ca/sciencefair.
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About 4-H Canada
For 110 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most respected positive youth development organizations in Canada. 4-H Canada has 17,434 members and nearly 7,000 volunteer leaders participating in more than 45,000 projects. Our goal is to help young Canadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment. We believe in nurturing responsible, caring, and contributing youth leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world. To learn more about 4-H Canada, please visit 4-h-canada.ca and follow our Facebook, X, and Instagram pages.
About Bayer Crop Science Canada
In Canada, Bayer Crop Science offers growers a wide choice of tailored solutions with an integrated product portfolio of crop protection products, seed treatment technologies, plant biotechnology and digital farming solutions. As a top employer in Canada, the Crop Science division employs over 550 people, spanning 22 research, breeding, production, and office sites across the country. For more information, visit www.cropscience.bayer.ca or follow us on X: @Bayer4CropsCA.
For more information, media may contact:
Nadine Sisk
Chief Marketing Officer
4-H Canada
nsisk@4-h-canada.ca