Student Innovators Represent Kamloops at the 2025 Canada-Wide Science Fair

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Story provided Morgan Whitehouse, Valleyview Secondary Science Teacher

From May 31–June 6, 2025, two students from the Kamloops-Thompson School District travelled to Fredericton, New Brunswick to represent our district and showcase their innovative projects at the prestigious Canada-Wide Science Fair—Canada’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) event.

Hosted by Youth Science Canada, the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) has been bringing together top student finalists from regional STEM fairs across the country for over 60 years. This national event is a unique opportunity for students to share their research and innovations, connect with like-minded peers, compete for awards, and share their passion for science and discovery. 

Following this year’s Cariboo-Mainline Regional Science Fair, two students were selected to represent the Kamloops-Thompson School District at this year's CWSF. Benjamin Stroich, a Grade 9 student from South Kamloops Secondary Secondary, presented his root system simulator invention that mimics tree root systems to help prevent landslides. Joel Defouw, a Grade 7 from Juniper Ridge Elementary, showcased an AI-powered project that uses real-time data to maximize the energy output of solar panels.  

Joel Defouw’s project won a Bronze Excellence Award in the Junior division. When asked about his project and CWSF experience, he shared, “My project is called AI-Powered Green Energy—I got AI to give me suggestions on how to optimize the power output on a solar panel based on what's actually happening to that solar panel. I got to present my project to the judges and a lot of them said they really liked the project, one judge even took a picture of it. It felt really good knowing that all my hard work paid off and that this is all of Canada and I had a really good project.” 

When asked about his experience at CWSF, Benjamin Stroich added, “It was fun because there were so many people there and they’re all really enthusiastic about science and interested in learning more about your project.”

Throughout the week-long fair, SD73 students didn’t just compete with their STEM projects, they also explored the local area, built new projects, and collaborated with students from across Canada. Some highlights included hands-on lab experiences at the University of New Brunswick, tours of top tourist attractions in Fredericton, and a day exploring New Brunswick’s iconic Hopewell Rocks at low tide to discover fossils that are billions of years old. Joel Defouw worked with other finalists to code Sphero Bots in a game of ping pong and participated in computer programming to create animation. Benjamin Stroich built his own working speaker using everyday household materials, electromagnetism, and wiring.  

Teacher Morgan Whitehouse attended the fair with both students and shared, “The CWSF is truly a world-class STEM event with incredible kids from across the country. Throughout the week, I saw the students from Kamloops grow in confidence and excitement for Science. They are truly making memories that will last a lifetime, and it is thanks to their teachers for introducing them to these concepts in their classrooms. For students who are curious and motivated, there are amazing opportunities out there if you just ask! I would encourage interested families to talk to their schools and get information from their Science Fair reps on how to get involved. Participating at the regional level is a great first step—you can also get empowered and informed through organizations like the Big Little Science Centre or the BC Science Fair Foundation.”

For students interested in participating in a science fair next year, Benjamin Stroich shared some encouraging words of advice: “Find something that you are really passionate about and if it doesn't work and you don't win the first time keep improving it because it can always get better.”

In the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan, the Intellectual Development priority aims to provide opportunities for students to develop the ability to analyze critically while learning reason and to think independently. Participation in school-based, regional, and national STEM fairs is one way that students can develop these skills while learning to discover, experiment, and innovate.