CWSF 2011 - A Photo Essay

Thursday, September 29 2011 by pcalamai
Participant moves her exhibit on a dolly

For a one-time news photographer it was a dream assignment – capturing the decisive moments of 500 excited young people over a stretch of six hectic days. From the initial moments when participants struggled to erect their displays at the Seneca College gym to the final banquet at Liberty Grand, I chronicled as much as my aching feet would allow. The subjects of my efforts were invariably welcoming, if somewhat bemused. I hope that looking at these images brings back some of the fun and excitement for those who were there – and inspires others to experience their very own Canada-Wide Science Fair.

A friend holds screws as participant fastens together exhibit
Lining up the display poster on the backboard
Screwing together prepared panels for display
Piles of materials which went into an entry
Preparing to pin up the poster on the display board
An alley of activity between two display rows
Newfoundland delegate checks a message
The final touch as billboard is attached to participant's display
Display panels awaiting arrival of participants
Plush carpet in exhibit hall cosseted bare feet
Exhibit hall carpet also kind to four-inch heels
A family affair as exhibit panel is lifted into position
Strapping down shipping carton and wooden crate
Overhead view of exhibit hall alley
Friend watches participant connect wires as another sits on floor to text
Young man and woman lift exhibit display into place on table
Exhibit hall was warm enough for summer outfits
Tired onlooker rests on luggage as participant completes last touches to display
Participant photographs exhibit hall
A few work at laptops amidst a sea of motion in the exhibit hall
Jamie Parsons from Newfoundland hands out forms at safety check desk
Holding their masurement sticks, safety checkers line up awaiting participants while YSC director Amberly Dooley checks out stability of a chair.
Participant watches anxiously as volunteer performs safety check at his exhibit
Safety checker appears puzzled by the title on a display
Guest participants from Mexico are shown where to sign on the safety check form
Close-up of apparatus with "simulated gasoline";
Lori Murray removes papers from their dry concealment after tranversing rain splattered passage from residence to exhibit hall.Jim Jo of national science fair committee accompanies
An exhibit awaits last-minute assembly while participants are at lunch
Safety checker explains procedure to anxious exhibitor, while holding measuring stick.
YSC directors Elaine Ma and Amberly Dooley exchange knowing looks in the exhibit hall
Last-minute assembly in the exhibit hall
A participant single-handedly lifts his display on to the exhibit table.
Emcee Dominic Tremblay and YSC executive director Reni Barlow practise their lines before audience arrives
Host committee co-chair Liette Philippe gives last-minute editorial help to emcee Dominic Tremblay and YSC ex dir Reni Barlow
Emcee Dominic Tremblay makes notes of script cuts
YSC director Cliff Coveyduc greets arriving guest at top of escalator
YSC Chair Elaine Ma acts as photographer for a group of banquet goers
Discarded jackets piled up during formal photo taking.
Arrivals check table seating and greet old friends at check-in desk
Emcee Dominic Tremblay is in the spotlight for formal welcome in the ballroom
Chair Elaine Ma delivers bilingual welcome on behalf of board of directirs
Students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school perform dances from different decades.
Students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school perform dances from different decades.
Students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school perform dances from different decades.
A typical table of engaged participants at the banquet
UBC professor and telescope guru Jaymie Matthews, explains astrophysics to YSC BC director Len Reimer
Cameras were in use throughout the evening
Guests occupied the quiet time in different ways
A mysterious gadget draws intense interest at one table
Show technicians check their equipment
"Can't you take another picture when I'm not scratching my ear?"
Illuminated by thier ubiquitous iPads, Emcee Dominic Tremblay and YSC ex dir Reni Barlow compare notes
A triple threat -- emcee Dominic Tremblay and YSC ex dir Reni Barlow are projected on two giant screens, in addition to their real presence
Students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school perform dances from different decades.
Students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school perform dances from different decades.
Students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school perform dances from different decades.
Students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school perform dances from different decades.
Students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school perform dances from different decades.
John Jack from Manitoba and UBC astronomer Jaymie Matthews were among the audience on stage joining students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school in the joyous wind-up dance
John Jack from Manitoba and UBC astronomer Jaymie Matthews were among the audience on stage joining students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school in the joyous wind-up dance
UBC astronomer Jaymie Matthews struts his stuff with the students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school in the joyous wind-up dance
UBC astronomer Jaymie Matthews struts his stuff with the students from Claude Watson arts program at Earle Haig secondary school in the joyous wind-up dance
Elementary school students crowd the aisles in the Exhibit Hall
Veteran YSC photographer André Van Vugt poses two senior finalists
Exec dir Reni Barlow addresses delegates meeting
Elementary school students at Let's Talk Science table
Elementary school students show keen interest at Let's Talk Science table
A participant discusses her entry (and earing) with visiting elementary school students
Ersatz yogi instructor Reni Breton checks online for hair styling tips
Delegates listen intently to xec dir Reni Barlow at annual meeting
Calm before the storm in Seneca cafeterie
Typically busy day in Seneca cafeteria
Engineers Without Borders demonstrate appropriate technology for water-pumping
Team decodes encrypted message during holography exercise
Students build a generator that can produce electricity from water and wnd
Participants check DNA sequences for protein coding exercise
Participants check DNA sequences for protein coding exercise
Participants check DNA sequences for protein coding exercise
Delegate demonstrates balloon-twisting skill for participants
Instructor Si Yue checks notes for an exercise in tagging proteins with simulated quantum dots
Participant ponders use of dyes in tagging proteins
Participants identify origin of DNA using gel electrophoresis
Participant tests for human blood under watchful eye of Metro Toronto forensic officer
Participants collect forensic evidence at simulated crime scene
Quebec team wins water-pumping exercise using appropriate technology devised by Engineers Without Borders
Quebec team wins water-pumping exercise using appropriate technology devised by Engineers Without Borders
Even while losing his trousers a member of the Quebec team competes in water-pumping using appropriate technology devised by Engineers Without Borders
Videotape interviews were done with a selection of finalists
Charlotte Donaldson from N.S. explains extreme immobilization project for for safely removing accident victims from swimming pools
Dick Wilson of the Manning Foundation listens to a finalist explain his project
Finalist counter quizzical look from a VIP visitor
CWSF participants enjoy their first sunny day as the dandelions flourish
Liette Philippe briefs award presenters before ceremony
Rehersal for awards ceremony in empty Roy Thomson Hall
The first finalists to enter snap photos of Roy Thomson Hall
YSC board members chat with longtime Encanta sponsors
Sequence of co-winners accepted award and congratulations
Sequence of co-winners accepted award and congratulations
Sequence of co-winners accepted award and congratulations
Award presentation in packed hall
Videographer captures musical act during break in awards ceremony
"Give me five," says audience member as award winner walks past
Audience reaction varies as jubliant award winner passes
Official photographer Andre Vsn Vugt has to back up to take in large group of medal winners
Official photographer Andre Vsn Vugt records a large group of medal winners
Finalists from Quebec stood and cheered at every award recipient from la belle province
Outgoing YSC board chair Elaine Ma and YSC staffer (and spouse) Eric Ma share a moment
A stunning smile declares a happy award recipient approaching the stage
Emcee Dominic Tremblay intones names as YSC director Amberley Dooley hands out awards
A tray of medal about to come forward from back stage
Official photographer Andre Van Vogt direcfs award recipients and presented Elaine Ma into position for a group photo
Gold medal winners await word on platinum awards, with eventual best in show co-recipients Danny Huang [ and Jaclynn Wongin of Edmonton in centrre of photo
Against swirling blue lights, best in show recipients Danny Huang and Jaclynn Wong of Edmonton accept congratulations from YSC exec dir Reni Barlow and xxxxx
Best in show recipients Danny Huang and Jaclynn Wong of Edmonton embrace on the stage
Subdued atmosphere on bus ride from Riy Thomson Hall to Liberty Grand
Sun-lapped atrium welcome finalists and other banquet guests at Liberty Grand
Sun-lapped atrium welcome finalists and other banquet guests at Liberty Grand
Silver medal winner (girl closest to camera) poses with friends for a celebratory photo
Banquet tables on main floor at Liberty Grand
Nobel laureate John Polanyi addresses finalists and visitors on final morning of the fair
Etienne Beauclair from Quebec who is blind explains his silver medal winning project for playing the game "Battleships"
Etienne Beauclair from Quebec who is blind explains his silver medal winning project for playing the game "Battleships"
Nobel laureate John Polanyi hears Frannie Sobcov of Ontario explain her project to design safer stair railings for seniors with YSC exec dir Reni Barlow watching
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Peter Calamai

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