Friends of the Environment hosted their 11th annual Earth Day Science Fair on April 14 at New Vision Ministries in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The purpose of the science fair is to encourage scholarship in the sciences and to raise awareness of Abaco’s environment. This year, nine schools entered the competition and presented their projects and interesting displays on the theme “Fresh Water Resources” to the judges. This year’s topic was very important to Abaco; as an island we greatly rely on healthy fresh water resources.
Nancy Albury, from the National Museum of The Bahamas, was this year’s guest speaker. She spoke on blue holes and their importance concerning Abaco’s fresh water lens, as well as archaeological sites for the remains of many extinct animals, which give us clues to the historical ecology of The Bahamas. Local organizations, including the Bahamas National Trust and Young Bahamian Marine Scientists, had booths set up to help educate the public on fresh water resources.
As the event came to a close, students congregated in anticipation to learn who would be this year’s winners. Prizes for the science fair are awarded to the winning schools, rather than individuals, and are based on need expressed by local teachers. This year’s prizes were scientific supplies, including microscopes, water quality testing kits, and balances. In the Lower Primary division Man-O-War Primary took first place with their project, which focused around creating a water defense force. In Upper Primary, Hope Town School placed first with a retrospective look at water conservation practices; my alma mater, Amy Roberts Primary School, came in a close second; Cyber Learning Center placed first in the Lower Secondary category and St. Francis de Sales came in first for Upper Secondary.
FRIENDS would like to thank our sponsors: Albury’s Ferry, The Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Disney Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives and New Vision Ministries, as well as all of the schools and community groups that participated. The entire event was a great success. With this one finished it’s almost about time to start planning for next year’s Earth Day Science Fair!
Story written by Chamon McIntosh
Friends of the Environment Intern
P. O. Box AB-20755
Marsh Harbour, Abaco Bahamas
Phone (242) 367-2721
FAX (242) 367-0722
info@friendsoftheenvironment.org
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