ARVIAT/KIVALLIQ - The brightest scientific minds in the region converged upon Qitiqliq School in Arviat earlier this month for the annual Kivalliq Regional Science Fair.

The event, sponsored by the Kivalliq Science Educators' Community, saw 30 senior students compete for a chance to represent the region at the Canadawide Science Fair in Peterborough, Ont., from May 1523.

In addition to displaying their projects, students were also kept busy conducting experiments and having fun with games and challenges.

This year's theme, myth busters, challenged students to confirm or bust science myths such as being able to boil water in a paper bag, is saltwater ice really salty, does hot water freeze faster than cold water, and does caribou fur insulate better than felt liners?

Savannah Issaluk of Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet took top spot with her project, Size Does Matter: A Study of Qamutik Length.

Stephanie Yarema of Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) in Rankin Inlet placed second for, Is Perception Reality?

The MUI team of Tera Yarema and Haley White took third for their project, H20 … Good to Go?

The top three projects will now compete at the Canadawide Science Fair.

Chairperson Tony Phinney said he was impressed with the projects at the fair.

He said many of the efforts on display were above grade level.

"The judges had a very difficult choice to make between the second and fourth positions," said Phinney.

"A Study of Qamutik Length was our runaway winner, but the projects that finished second, third and fourth were very, very difficult to choose between."

Phinney and MUI teacher Katharine O'Connell will travel to the national fair with the regional winners.

He said he's optimistic about the region's chances at the national event.

"There was a lot of interest in the projects on display in Arviat this year, with more than 100 people coming in to view them once the event was open to the public.

"There was a great spirit at this year's fair, and the students really seemed to enjoy themselves.

"Our winners are strong enough to place in the medals at the national fair, especially our top project."