Elmwood students made an exceptional showing at this year’s regional science fair, earning top honours, special awards, and even a national invitation to the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton, AB (May 23–30, 2026). Representing Elmwood on the national stage will be Grade 7 students Hanako K. and Eva R-S. for their project UV Light vs. Mould Growth, alongside Grade 11 student Tamsen T. for Rising from the Ashes: Evaluating the Potential for Peat Moss Recovery after Wildfire, a remarkable achievement that highlights both scientific curiosity and real-world impact.
A number of students were also recognized with prestigious scholarship awards. Eva L. (Grade 11) received the University of Ottawa and Carleton University Engineering and Sciences Scholarship Award ($1,000) for her project SafeStep: A Smart Navigation Cane for the Visually Impaired, which also earned multiple accolades throughout the competition.
Elmwood projects stood out across several special award categories. Tamsen's wildfire recovery research earned both the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS) Award and the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Award, while Wired for Pain by Eva H. and Magdalen K. (Grade 8) received recognition from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine. Eva L's SafeStep project also took home the Consumer Product Award, and Safal B. (Grade 12) earned the ORSF Physics Award for Increasing Propeller Efficiency Using Riblets.
In the Interdisciplinary categories, Elmwood students continued to excel. At the junior level, Hanako and Eva captured 1st place for UV Light vs. Mould Growth, while Ashlie M. and Vivienne M. (Grade 8) placed 3rd for Sip or Skip: How Drinks Affect Teeth?. Honourable mentions were awarded to Vie S-J. (Grade 7) for Sour Power! and to Eva and Magdalen for Wired for Pain. In the senior division, Eva L. earned 2nd place for SafeStep, with an honourable mention going to Safal B for Increasing Propeller Efficiency.
Additional recognition came through division-specific awards, including the Junior Health Award for UV vs. Mould Growth, and the Senior Curiosity and Ingenuity Award for SafeStep.
These accomplishments reflect the impressive depth of innovation, collaboration, and scientific inquiry across Elmwood’s science program. Congratulations to all students and mentors involved in this outstanding achievement! Your work truly embodies curiosity, creativity, and excellence in STEM.