By Erin Knutson

Regional youth displayed their best scientific talent at the East Kootenay Regional Science Fair (EKRSF), held on April 10 at the College of the Rockies Cranbrook Campus gymnasium, in partnership with School District No. 5.

Erik Couture, director of the EKRSF Society, shared that this year was the first time ʔaq̓amnik’ School participated. Several students from the school received awards. Lunara Hurd and June Wiseman stood out with their project that examined how beavers influence water flow, plant growth, and habitat diversity in local ecosystems.

The momentum continued as the 2026 fair welcomed students from six regional schools. Participation increased by more than 50% from the previous year, according to Couture, who emphasized that over 35 judges and volunteers supervised the exhibition. Professionals, including a biologist, civil engineers, and Cranbrook Search and Rescue representatives, delivered science talks and demonstrations.

Judges honoured student achievements by awarding grade-level medals for leadership and presented 20 special-category awards. Sponsors awarded winners scholarships and $2,500 in prize money.

Organizers also gave each participant a certificate for their entry.

Zxavian Davidson of The Fernie Academy (right) referenced the certificates while presenting Phantasia, his research project examining how different learning styles may be associated with variations in visual acuity and perception.

“Phantasia explores differences in visual memory and how these relate to comprehension and reading,” he said.

Davidson’s research examined how vividness of mental imagery affects comprehension. Using visual and memory tasks, the study found that individuals with stronger visual imagery abilities performed better on certain comprehension tasks.

Similarly, other notable entries included The Fernie Academy’s mother-daughter team, Nicole and Amber Attalla (pictured above) who developed the Virtual E-Mechanic for their Bluebird Davinci e-tandem bike, a two-seater bicycle assisted by artificial intelligence.

“We participate in the Science Fair every year,” said the pair as they presented their electric blue bicycle and its virtual mechanic, Matty B, who can remotely repair the Bluebird. The project explores and utilizes advancements in AI technology.

Top prize winners Pari Parmer and Claire Couture will represent East Kootenay at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton, May 23–30.

Best in Show was presented to Pari Parmer in the Senior category. Boden Nelson, a Junior, also received the award. Each was awarded $250, which was donated by the Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club.

Gold medal recipients also included: Gr 5-6 – Lachlan Ratay and Rachel Lewis. Gr 7-8 – Boden Nelson. Gr 9-10 – Claire Couture and Gr 11-12 – Rosalie Lloyd.

Additional notable entries included Joseph Pollard with “Peas in a Pot.” He studied how using diverse types of terrarium substrates—such as sand, potting soil, or gravel—affected the growth rate and health of pea shoots.

Clara Michal presented “Free Speed,” developing and evaluating a tool designed to help skiers analyze and improve their Nordic ski technique.

“Overall, the EKRSF board is thrilled with the results. We will keep working with educators and students to broaden the Fair’s reach,” said Couture.

Photos by Erin Knutson

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