2013 Hydro-Québec Science Fairs season kicks off in Montréal

MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The 2013 season of the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs officially got underway today at a ceremony attended by the event's provincial spokesperson, illusionist Luc Langevin; the Director of Customer Relations, Strategic Planning department, Hydro-Québec, Joanne Chevrier; and the Vice-President of the Conseil de développement du loisir scientifique, Annick Vézina.

The launch event took place at École secondaire Lucien-Pagé in Montreal, and was also an opportunity for the school's Principal, Louis Bienvenue, and the teacher in charge of the Science Fairs, Patrick Frappier, to say a few words about how valuable the Science Fairs are as a driver of student retention and motivation. With about 100 students looking on, the two also commented enthusiastically on the success of the Science Fairs at their school: it is an enriching local competition that celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Taking part in the Science Fairs enables more than 15,000 young Quebecers aged 20 and under to have tangible contact with science and technology every year. During the months of March and April, a total of 12 Hydro-Québec Science Fairs Regional Finals will be held all across the province, building up to the Super Expo-sciences Hydro-Québec, Québec Final, taking place this year from April 18 to 21 in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

Luc Langevin, provincial spokesperson
New this year for the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs is the involvement of Luc Langevin as provincial spokesperson. To mark this collaboration, a promotional video for the 2013 season featuring the illusionist was produced, and had its première screening during the launch event. The video will be available all season long on the official Science Fair website.

Mr. Langevin says he got involved with the Science Fairs movement because he wants to support young people in their thirst for learning and their enthusiasm for science. "I'm convinced that, in the course of developing their Science Fair projects, young people make interesting and surprising connections between science and other fields that they are passionate about," he explained. "They are naturally curious and, like me, are eager to understand the world around them, to build on their achievements, and to take their desire for learning to ever greater heights. I hope to encourage them in this area, and also help the public think differently about the world of science and about these amazingly talented youngsters who will become our next generation of scientists." Mr. Langevin also underlined the positive impact of the Science Fairs on young people and schools. Lastly, the entertainer urged members of the public to visit one of the Regional Finals, noting that they offer something for all tastes and all ages. 

Don't miss the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs, 2013 season!
Though the registration period for Regional Finals continues until February, many young students have been hard at work on their projects since early in the school year. A visit to a Science Fair is a chance to discover all the creativity and enthusiasm that primary, secondary and CEGEP students put into developing their projects. At the 2013 Regional Finals, more than 1,600 of them will be presenting projects, which can be in three categories: Experimentation, Design or Study. The subjects they address are extremely diverse, and often highly topical.

All the exhibitors are missing are members of the public and the media to convey their passion for science and the results of their research. Save the dates for the 2013 season of the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs, and get ready for a journey of discovery!

The Hydro-Québec Science Fairs are organized by the CDLS-CLS Network, and made possible with support from presenting partner Hydro-Québec, as well as major financial partners including Bell, the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche, de la Science et de la Technologie, as well as Merck, which has supported the Science Fair's Experimentation projects for more than 20 years. Montréal daily newspaper La Presse is the media partner of the Hydro-Québec Science Fairs.

Image with caption: "From left to right : Annick Vézina, Vice-President of the Conseil de développement du loisir scientifique, the illusionist Luc Langevin, Hydro-Québec Science Fairs provincial spokesperson and Joanne Chevrier, Director of Customer Relations, Strategic Planning department, Hydro-Québec. (CNW Group/Conseil de développement du loisir scientifique)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130116_C6193_PHOTO_EN_22642.jpg

SOURCE: Conseil de développement du loisir scientifique

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