Biodiesel project takes third at the 2008 International Science Fair held in Taipei, Taiwan.

Kimmie Gulevich, a Grade 10 student from Dr Kearney Junior Secondary School in Fort St John, returned a winner from the 2008 International Science Fair held in Taipei, Taiwan. Ms. Gulevich’s Science Fair project entitled ‘’Biodiesel: Does it Make Cents?’ was awarded third place in the Environmental Science category. Her project studied the practicality of biodiesel by researching the argument of food versus fuel, comparing the energy efficiencies of biodiesel, and petroleum diesel and studying the effect of temperature on biodiesel.

The students were accompanied by Mr. Kevin Frankham, a teacher at Bert Ambrose Elementary School in Fort St. John. Student participation is determined based on their science fair project work, their effective communication skills and their ambassadorial qualities. Mr. Frankham was chosen as the accompanying educator because of his broad teaching experience and his many years of enthusiastic support of the science fair program and its educational benefits for students.

While in Taiwan Kimmie home-stayed with a local family which provided both a wonderful ambassadorial opportunity as well as a unique and incredible cultural experience. The International component of the competition included entries from Canada, Hong Kong, Iran, Korea, Kuwait,Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Mr. Frankham said, ‘It was an amazing experience, we saw some interesting sites and had a chance for wonderful cultural and scientific exchanges with people from many countries.’

Patti Leigh, Executive Director of the Science Fair Foundation of BC (SFFBC) is enthusiastic about the opportunities offered through the international science fair exchange program set up by the SSFBC, ‘Science fairs allow students to stretch their imaginations and intellect, and they also provide a chance for young scientists to network with their peers and with potential mentors.’

British Columbia's regional science fairs are supported by the SFFBC, a non-profit organization whose vision is to sustain and enhance the science culture of the youth of British Columbia. The Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia is supported by the Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development.