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The 2020 4-H Canada Science Fair took place from March 4 to 8, 2020 at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture and Bioresources in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
19 4-H members are travelling from across Canada for their chance to earn the top honour within 4-H Canada Science & Technology programming. For months, all of our finalists have been exercising their curiosity and demonstrating determination as they worked hard to complete their science fair projects. Each and every one of them exemplifies the problem-solving and leadership skills 4-H’ers are mastering across the country within areas of science, technology, engineering, math and agriculture.
At the 4-H Canada Science Fair, finalists have the chance to meet with their peers, exchange ideas and take part in activities and workshops that foster their knowledge and interest in Science & Technology.
Thanks to our hosting partner, the University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, these 4-H’ers will also have a chance to explore Science & Technology at the post-secondary level and gain insight into the important role Science & Technology plays in agriculture here in Canada.
2020 4-H Canada Science Fair Winners
These six brilliant 4-H'ers competed at the YSC Online STEM Fair in May 2020.
Amanda H., Alberta
Effect of Nano-Crystalline Cellulose Coated Packaging on Shelf Life of Fresh Produce
With a concerning abundance of plastic packaging, this project developed an innovative alternative. Using a nano-crystalline cellulose coating on cardboard, the experiment aimed to assess whether the shelf life achieved with a biodegradable, sustainable packaging would be equivalent to plastic packaging. The results were compelling and showed promise for this more environmentally conscious packaging to be further tested in terms of other products beyond lettuce, and further exploring the benefits to shelf life and reducing impact through compostability.
Mark N., Alberta
A Corrosion Comparison of Beet Juice and Road Salt
Beet juice slurry is becoming an alternative to road salt in the maintenance of roads in the winter. This project tested the specific levels of corrosion attributed to these different road products, looking at a wide variety of common metals that would be exposed to these treatments – whether as part of vehicles, or public infrastructure. Beet juice was shown to offer a significant reduction in corrosion, offering a solution that addresses long-term degradation of assets like vehicles and public infrastructure.
Ruby K., Saskatchewan
Inspecting How Light Impacts Bacterial Counts in Sauerkraut
An extension to this member’s previous food science experiments, this project explored the impact on light on the fermentation process, with a specific focus on the bacteria produced. By comparing different levels of light, the optimal light levels for the production of beneficial bacteria in sauerkraut was identified, along with previous research on optimal recipes and production methods.
Caelan D., Nova Scotia
Does Seaweed Help Reduce Mold Growth in Bread Rolls?
Intrigued by seaweed’s antifungal properties, this project explores the addition of seaweed into food staples, such as bread, as a method to reduce mold growth. The project tested a variety of seaweed inclusions into the bread recipe, and also surveyed consumers about the effect on taste, and future interest in products. The addition of seaweed showed an increase in the shelf life of bread and indicated that further testing should be done to clearly define the impact of seaweed on shelf life, in an effort to reduce food waste.
Danae K., British Columbia
Preen Oil vs Mites - The Effect of Chicken Uropygial Oil on Red Mites
Aware the uropygial oil is a waste product of chicken production, this project explored how the oil might be useful in combatting pests within the coop setting. Looking at a key pest, red mites, this project explored the effect of the preening oil on the mite populations and individual mite behaviour. While the results were inconclusive, the experiment was conducted in an exemplary manner and offered new avenues of exploration for this oil and other possible uses.
Mac D., British Columbia
Identifying and Controlling the Spread of Salmonella Pathogens in the Poultry Industry
This project developed an innovative solution for the rapid testing of Salmonella in chicken feces, as a way to identify and track cases of the pathogen in the poultry industry. Having invented a simple testing device that successfully indicates the presence of Salmonella through a custom-designed assay, it allows producers to test on-site, instead of waiting for lab results. With bio and food security being key issues facing the world, this innovation has the potential to quickly and cost-effectively test for a dangerous pathogen, protecting the entire production chain – from farmer to consumer.
2020 4-H Canada Science Fair Finalists
Danae K., British Columbia
Preen Oil vs Mites - The Effect of Chicken Uropygial Oil on Red Mites
Mac D., British Columbia
Identifying and Controlling the Spread of Salmonella Pathogens in the Poultry Industry
Jacques J., British Columbia
Spinning the Fisherman's Yarn
Ethan C., Alberta
Carpe Diem, Carpe Carassius
Liam C., Alberta
Tomato-Tomahto - Are biofertilizers an effective alternative to synthetic fertilizers?
Amanda H., Alberta
Effect of nano-crystalline cellulose coated packaging on shelf life of fresh produce
Mark N., Alberta
A Corrosion Comparison of Beet Juice and Road Salt
Ruby K., Saskatchewan
Inspecting How Light Impacts Bacterial Counts in Sauerkraut
Parker L., Saskatchewan
The Effect of Algae on Hydroponic Crop Growth
Josh K., Manitoba
K-Brake
Hashim F., Manitoba
AR AI ASL Smart Glasses
Tiauna L., Ontario
Canadian Cattle: Saving the Lives of Premature Infants Around the World
Kara M., New Brunswick
The Effects of Different Leavening Agents
Chelsey M., Nova Scotia
The Power of a Smile
Hanna T. & Julianne R., Nova Scotia
Have you heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?
Caelan D., Nova Scotia
Does Seaweed Help Reduce Mold Growth in Bread Rolls?
Emma C., Nova Scotia
The Effects of Music on Stress Levels in Rabbits
Olivia T., Newfoundland
Does an Apple Watch affect your speed while swimming?
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