Curiosity Fair unites inquisitive minds — young and old
WATERLOO — Behold the power of the sun!
Grade 4 student Quinn Plummer presented his solar energy project with all the flair of a veteran showman.
“This represents the sun,” he explained as he turned on a desk lamp aimed at a solar panel, which made sparkling circles of plastic swirl. Behind him was a display showing types of solar panels and the top 10 solar energy-producing countries.
Canada, he was quick to point out, didn’t make the cut; while China came out on top.
Quinn was one of the presenters at the Curiosity Fair hosted Friday by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging and the Village at University Gates in Waterloo.
The goal was to bring together people of all ages, from elementary school students to seniors living at the Waterloo long-term care home.
The novice scientists were urged to explore “anything they’re curious about in the world,” said Kyla English Leis, assistant research co-ordinator at the research institute, which is connected to the home.
Residents presented projects alongside students from two nearby public schools. High school students showed off a 120-pound robot, and a University of Waterloo graduate student brought in virtual reality headsets for people to try.
Solar energy piqued Quinn’s interest for his science project.
Resident Phil Fiess listened closely as Quinn demonstrated how solar power works. “He’s very enthusiastic.” Robert Amelard, a post-doctoral researcher at the institute, drew in all the visitors with his special camera plugged into a computer to get a closer look at blood vessels and the pulsing and flow of blood through the body. Potentially it could be a tool to diagnose or prevent cardiovascular disease.
Grade 2 student Ben Vuorinen put his hand under the camera to peer underneath his skin. He was there presenting his research into how suspension bridges work, complete with a model made of Popsicle sticks, paper and string.
“I like how everybody learns something new,” he said.
His mother, Natasha Campbell, said it was wonderful how the event drew people young and old.
“It’s nice for everyone to be able to interact,” she said. “Bringing people of all ages together is happening less and less.”