The Peterborough Regional Science Fair takes place at Trent University Wednesday, April 8, one of 106 fairs hosted across Canada.

Student project registration closes March 24 at midnight. Public viewing takes place on fair day, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony with a guest speaker at 3 p.m.

“The fair is in its 56th year of running (1970-2026), making it one of the oldest regional fairs in Canada. Typically more than 300 students participate in our fair,” says Jess Livingstone, fundraising and outreach co-ordinator for the 2026 Peterborough Science Fair.

Students in kindergarten to Grade 12 from three school boards enter the fair, which is hosted each April at the university, including Kawartha Pine Ridge (KPRDSB); Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington (PVNCCDSB); and Trillium Lakelands (TLDSB). Home schooled students and private schools are also eligible to participate.

“We have divisions for primary and elementary students to compete in, which is something that is only included in about half of the 106 total regional science fairs in Canada. This is attributed to our mission of promoting science and discovery to students early,” explains Livingstone. “Our main mission is to promote science and discovery while encouraging students to have fun.”

Students can compete in the subject categories of physical and mathematical sciences, computer and engineering sciences, health and life sciences, and earth and environmental sciences.

“The Peterborough Science Fair offers so many great opportunities for students to learn more about science and about themselves. Participating in the fair can help students learn more about scientific research methods, become more confident in their own research abilities, improve on presentation and communication skills, all while providing students a fun opportunity to learn more about things they’re interested in,” says Livingstone.

“As someone who participated in the science fair as a student myself, I can confidently say that the Peterborough Regional Science Fair provided me many skills and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Livingstone competed at the 2021 Peterborough Science Fair, winning first in her division, third overall in the fair, and was selected to continue to the Canada-Wide Science Fair where she won a bronze medal and a challenge award. She has continued by working at the fair throughout her post-secondary education, presently in her third year as a fair committee member.

The fair offers more than $15,000 worth of awards presented at the awards ceremony, including cash prizes, university scholarships, special awards, and draw prizes. The grand prize is an all-expense paid trip to Canada Wide Science Fair (CWSF), hosted this year in Edmonton May 23 to 30.

“To say that CWSF was amazing would be an understatement; I would categorize it as a life-changing experience. It allowed me to develop a breadth of invaluable skills, to gain friendships with like-minded individuals from across the country and to foster my passion for STEM,” says Ella Sehn, a St. Peter High School student who participated in the 2024 Peterborough Science Fair. She advanced to the Canada Wide Science Fair, where she won a silver medal and the SANOFI Biogenius Award.

For further details on the Peterborough Science Fair, visit peterboroughsciencefair.com or email prsf.connect@gmail.com.

Looking for something new and challenging? Peterborough Bridge Club is offering a five-week course for beginners on Sundays, from 1 until 3 p.m., April 12 to May 10.

The lessons will be taught by club member Dalia Schaefer who calls bridge a great and lifelong game.

“Bridge is more than a card game. It is a mind sport. Did you know that in some European countries they teach bridge in high school. Some have it has part of the math curriculum, others place it the physical education slot. Bridge was a demonstration sport at the 2002 Olympics and Canada won the gold medal,” says Schaefer.

The cost for the lessons is $6 per session. To register, send an email to bridgeforbusybeesptbo@gmail.com.

© Peterborough Examiner