| Biography |
|---|
| Living on the beautiful Bruce Peninsula and being encircled by Georgian Bay, Lake Huron and the Niagara Escarpment has impacted my interest in nature and science. Last summer, I responded to the need for volunteers to educate the public about the endangered Great Lakes Piping Plovers. I became a Plover Lover and spent fifty hours at Sauble Beach, Ontario. I was determined to discover their preferred natural habitat and their daily behaviours. Through observation, I developed a strong passion for these interesting shore birds. I am a grade seven French Immersion student at École Hepworth Central Public School. I am industrious, persistent, passionate and love to learn. I try my best to be positive, see the good in everyone and look for opportunities that come my way. I have participated in Science Fair for four years. I have received two silver medals, two gold medals, two special awards and two Best of Fair Awards. This is my first year attending Canada-Wide. I feel it is important to always try your best no matter what. Never be afraid to make mistakes and, when you do, acknowledge and learn from them. |
| Islay Graham
Rake Wrack Risk: Do Piping Plovers Prefer a Clean Beach?
| Challenge: | Environment | | Category: | Junior | | Region: | Bluewater | | City: | Georgian Bluffs, ON | | School: | Hepworth Central P.S. | | Abstract: | Beach maintenance has been a controversial issue at Sauble Beach for the Great Lakes Piping Plover, an endangered shorebird. Twenty-eight nesting sites were examined and plover behaviours were scrutinized to determine if plovers prefer a "clean" beach. The ideal plover habitat contained 40.5% vegetation and debris. Plovers spend 56.3% of their time on the wrack line so raking the beach would definitely hasten their extinction. |
| Awards | Value | Broadcom MASTERS International
Sponsor: Broadcom Foundation | $3 000.00 | Excellence Award - Junior
Gold Medal
Sponsor: Youth Science Canada | | Challenge Award - Environment
Junior
Sponsor: Youth Science Canada | | Western University Scholarship
Gold Medallist - $4000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Western University | $4 000.00 | Youth Can Innovate Awards
Junior
Sponsor: The Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation | $500.00 | Platinum Award - Best Junior Project
Sponsor: Youth Science Canada | | | Total | $7 500.00 | |
Print/Download as PDF