WHALE COVE - Mary Angidlik of Rankin Inlet took first place at the 18th annual Kivalliq Regional Science Fair at Inuglak School in Whale Cove this past month.

The fair is sponsored by the Kivalliq Science Educators' Community.

Inuglak School science teacher Steve Penney and Barry Mccallum of Areva Resources, back right, present Mary Lou Angidlik of Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik in Rankin Inlet with the Qulliq Award for having the top project (Diabetes) at the Kivalliq Regional Science Fair in Whale Cove in March of 2011. - photo courtesy of Steve Penney

Angidlik, a student at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI), took top spot for her project on diabetes.

Karen Aggark of Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet took second for her project, Hybrid Qulliq Oils, while MUI's Hope Makpah finished third for her effort, Optical Illusions.

The three students move on to the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Toronto from May 14 to 21.

They'll be accompanied by science teachers Steve Penney of Inuglak School and Katharine O'Connell of MUI.

A total of 29 youth from six Kivalliq communities participated at the regional fair.

Penney, the organizing committee's chairperson, said this year's theme was Climate Change.

He said students and teachers took part in theme-related workshops and activities organized by Actua's - a science, engineering and technology youth outreach network - Michelle Zenko and Sarah Chamberlain, as well as Tyler Ross of the Department of the Environment.

"I was very impressed with the quality of the projects this year, especially from the Grade 9 and Grade 10 students," said Penney.

"They stepped it up this year and represented all of our top overall winners. Stephanie Utatnaaq of Jonah Amitnaaq School in Baker Lake also did an amazing project (Rough Sliders), on a qamutiik going across different types of ice.

"It was incredible to see a Grade 7 project of such calibre."

Penney said the students showed a lot of interest in climate change.

He said having Actua reps from Ottawa really helped make the theme more interesting for the students.

"They did three activity-based workshops with the students, and also organized a Climate Change Challenge. Tyler Ross, who used to be with Actua, also did a workshop, and the students had a blast with all these hands-on activities that dealt with climate change."

Penney said the community really came together to host the event.

He said hamlet SAO Shawn Trepanier arranged for the community hall to be used to house the fair projects.

"We had an excellent kitchen staff prepare our meals, and having our gym free for the various activities was a huge help to us. At the very last minute, I realized I needed hinges put on the backboards and local mechanic Bill Paisley stepped up to save the fair.

"So, the entire community pitched in to make this year's fair a success."

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