The 2026 Regional Science Fair is set to go Saturday at Medicine Hat College, with roughly 100 student projects on display showcasing the innovation and critical thinking of southeast Alberta's young minds.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Saturday marks the 2026 Regional Science Fair, highlighting and re-igniting a love for science, technology, engineering and math for students across southeastern Alberta.
Senior scientific consultant Patty Rooks with Praxis Science Outreach Society estimates roughly 100 different projects and nearly as many judges will be featured at this year’s event, one of the bigger science fairs the city has enjoyed over the years.
“Students from all over southeast Alberta will be coming to compete for tons of prizes – from cash, certificates, plaques, there’s a trip out to DRDC Southfield as one of the grand prizes,” said Rooks. “The ultimate grand prize is an all expense paid trip to the Canada Wide Science Fair this year in May.”
Historically, adds Rooks, the fair has had great luck with our students competing at the national level, and she is looking forward to seeing what projects will move on to that level.
Students as young as Grade 4 all the way up to Grade 12 will be showcasing projects of their own design and choosing, catered to what in the various STEM fields speaks most to them, says Rooks. This is one of the ways the fair is so effective in keeping youth interested in these subjects, as it allows them to pursue their own passions and interests.
New this year is a large series of partners creating different activity tables, to engage with students and visitors and add a level of hands-on learning to the event. From scavenger hunts to chemistry demonstrations in one of the Medicine Hat College labs, the event promises something for all STEM enthusiasts.
“I put together a little scientist photo booth, so there’s gonna be some props. That way, you can look like a scientist and take some pictures and keep those memories of this day alive,” said Rooks.
Those interested in viewing the projects are encouraged to start visiting Medicine Hat College at roughly 11 a.m. on Saturday to give judges time to work. Rooks expects to transition into science trivia and the award show to round out the day at around 2 p.m.
“I also just want to give a big thank-you to the science fair committee, our chief judge and everyone who has put time into this,” said Rooks. “It’s run on a volunteer basis, and if we didn’t have all these volunteers, we couldn’t give this to our students in southeast Alberta.”
