Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Apr 29/02) - The Kivalliq Regional Science Fair exceeded all expectations, says the fair's lead organizer.

Rob Davies says everything fell perfectly in place for the annual event, which was held April 8 through 10 at Qitiqliq high school in Arviat.

Even the weather co-operated, with students from across the region arriving and departing Arviat on time.

"You could really notice a difference with the students during the three days they were in Arviat," says Davies.

"When they first arrived, none of them really knew each other and they were quite shy. By the end of the three days, they were hugging and promising they'd phone and e-mail each other."

Baker Lake's Nadia Aaruq and Rosie Alooq took top spot with their project, Survival in the North.

Chris Cooper and Kiah Hackey, also of Baker, took second spot with Arctic Haze, while Rankin Inlet's Kelli McLarty took third place with her project, The Air We Breathe.

Local elders played a large part in the fair's success.

Davies says elders Tony and Martha Otuk were named honourary participants and took part in all the activities.

Dog mushing and iglu building were special attractions for students who arrived on the fair's first day.

Project judging and the Science Olympics highlighted the second day of the fair.

The Science Olympics featured an obstacle course and rocket launching.

The third day featured traditional activities., including sewing of mitts, ulu construction and carving. "Those activities went great. Everyone had the opportunity to make something to take home with them," he says.

The regional science fair wrapped up with the traditional awards banquet. "The fair closed out on a really positive note," he says.

The top three finishers will represent the region at the Canada-wide Science Fair later this month in Saskatoon., Sask.