Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Mar 20/00) - Blending Kivalliq culture and tradition with scientific analysis turned out to be a winning formula at the Kivalliq Regional Science Fair in Rankin Inlet this past week.

The team of Chris Cooper and Rejean LaMarre of Baker Lake took first prize with their effort, Polarized Sunglasses.

Arviat's sister tandem of Fiona and Heather Main took runner-up honours with their project, Diseased Dogs.

The four will now take part in the National Science Fair in London, Ont., in mid-May.

A Grade 7 student at Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school in Baker, Cooper says he and LaMarre set out to come up with a science project that had something to do with their culture and heritage.

"We actually came across this idea in a Grade 9 textbook and modified it so it would involve our heritage and that's how we came up with polarized sunglasses," says Cooper.

"I'm looking forward to going to the National Science Fair because of the talent that should be there.

"I think the competition will be really tough, but it should be a good learning experience for us."

LaMarre is a Grade 9 student at Jonah Amitnaaq and says he enjoyed learning how polarized sunglasses are made with a type of slit through their coating.

"Basically, the lenses are made somewhat based on the Inuit snow goggles, but there are more slits on them so that more sunlight gets through.

"Our conclusion surprised us because when we started, we thought the polarized sunglasses would block out more light, but the snow goggles actually ended up blocking out more.

"We're really looking forward to going to London, it should be a lot of fun."

Science fair organizer Barb Legacy says the event went smoothly and wasn't struck with any unforeseen difficulties.

She says everyone arrived on time and the participants enjoyed scheduled activities such as rocket launching, the Science Olympics and panning for gold.

All seven Kivalliq hamlets were represented at the event.

"The projects seem to get better every year," says Legacy.

"We had plenty of activities lined up for them, and the kids worked really hard and had a wonderful time," says Legacy.

"We really have to thank all our sponsors who do so much for this event, especially Calm Air and the Sakku Investment Corp."