We judged Science and Heritage Fairs in Yellowknife this spring, as well as the Regional Fair last week.
Students from grades 4-8 are assigned either a science or heritage project. I saw some well-done, informative science projects, but the heritage projects are what I really enjoyed.
Students who choose to do a heritage project are encouraged to explore and share a topic connected to their own heritage. Many students do their heritage projects on their families, community, culture, athletes, artists, or organizations they feel they have a personal connection to.
Students use a variety of skills to complete their projects. They develop research skills using both books and the internet as sources. They might also interview local community or family members, search for documents or photographs to enhance their project, and collect other visual aids.
At the Regional Fair, I talked with students whose projects ranged from Leonardo Da Vinci, to Residential Schools and National Memorial Silver Cross Mothers. The students all taught me something new. They showed through both their oral and visual presentations how their heritage project was connected to them, and how much they cared about their topic.
Students who are successful at the Regional Fairs will move on to the Territorial Fair, which will take place before the end of the school year.
— Charlotte Upton
Family and Community Literacy Coordinator
