Background, Steps to becoming an Astronaut, Experiments, Impact
Why did you choose this topic:
My mom, when she was younger, wrote a letter to her and she responded so she asked me if I wanted to do research about her.
Please summarize your experience in researching this project?
Reading LOTS of books and going on to websites.
How did you personally connect to this project?
Because when I am older I what to be an astronaut and she really inspired me.
What are your conclusions about your topic?
She showed that one gender is not better than the other and she also is an inspiration to the next generation of Canadian astronauts.
http://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.png00technicalAdminhttp://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.pngtechnicalAdmin2022-05-06 21:50:552022-05-07 09:39:43Project 97: Dr. Roberta Bondar
we chose this project so we could learn more about the canadian flag and inform others on the meaning and heritage.
Please summarize your experience in researching this project?
we learned the impacts of the canadian flag and how our flags identity cane ti be in this present time.
How did you personally connect to this project?
this project relates to our collective identity because we are canadians and we should know abour our flag. By learning about our flag we understand what we use to identify oursleves.
What are your conclusions about your topic?
in conclusion the flag says that we are a whole
http://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.png00technicalAdminhttp://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.pngtechnicalAdmin2022-05-06 21:47:202022-05-06 21:59:57Project 95: The Canadian Flag
Traveling Around Canada [Learning about provinces and territories]
Why did you choose this topic:
We picked this project because we wanted to learn more about Canada and inform others about Canada. We also wanted to to bring awareness about the history of Canada as it’s history is fascinating. We were interested in learning about many things and traits of each of the Territories and Provinces. Each place’s history is unique and is an important part of Canada’s history.
Please summarize your experience in researching this project?
It was a very educational experience as we learned a lot of new things about Canada. This project was also a challenging experience. It was very challenging by finding the right information, distributing the information and doin the presentation. Lastly it was a fun experience as we got to connect to Canada more than we expected to.
How did you personally connect to this project?
We connected to this project by fully understanding the concepts of each of the provinces and territories. We also connected by learning about the people who discovered the provinces, territories, climate and landscape. Lastly, we connected by sharing this valuable information to others to teach them about Canada.
What are your conclusions about your topic?
In conclusion, we have learned a great deal of each provinces and territories history and present. Every province and territory has a different history, has different symbols, landscape, climate and people. After our long journey around Canada we learned more than 10 facts about Canada. We have learned many things, including the fact that Alberta has rich oil and vast prairies, and that Nunavut is incredibly cold. We have also learned that Saskatchewan has an amazing scenery, Quebec has lots of maple syrup trees, and that B.C has amazing landscape and mountains. This project will educate lots of people about Canada, including us and our school. Canada is an amazing and a very interesting country.
http://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.png00technicalAdminhttp://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.pngtechnicalAdmin2022-05-06 21:35:282022-05-06 22:00:06Project 94: All Around Canada
Why did the population decrease in the Canadian plains? Why are buffalos important to First Nations? How can you learn more about the buffalos?
Why did you choose this topic:
I chose to research buffalos because they are interesting animals. In social studies, I have studied that this animal is special to First Nations. I was very sad to read about the drop in population. The fall in the population of buffalo changed the traditional way of life for First Nations people. Maintaining culture is important to me.
Please summarize your experience in researching this project?
Buffalos are sacred to First Nations people. Before the arrival of Europeans, they were easily found on the plains of Canada. Their population was strong because First Nations people hunted only what they needed. Buffalo provided food and shelter. We have studied how First Nations groups in southern Alberta used Head-Smashed In Buffalo Jump.
However, the introduction of guns during the fur trade changed everything. People started hunting for money instead of what was needed. Piles of buffalo hides started arriving at fur trading posts. This led to the fall of the buffalo population. Along with disease and the introduction of alcohol and tobacco, the traditional way of life of First Nations started to fall as well.
How did you personally connect to this project?
In Islam, protecting animals is important. I follow the holy Quran. It is mentioned that wasting natural resources is forbidden. I am grateful for everything that I have. Protecting my identity and culture is important for my quality of life. I was very sad to see that the fall of the buffalo population affected the culture and traditional way of life of First Nations.
What are your conclusions about your topic?
The fur trade between First Nations and Europeans had a huge effect on the buffalo population. The introduction of rifles led to a steady decline in the numbers. People no longer hunted what they needed, but they hunted for what they wanted. People began to be motivated for money and profit. Pictures of dead buffalos lying down were photographed in Canadian galleries. These pictures show the waste of natural resources and the fall of the buffalo population. The First Nations’ traditional way of life was no longer possible.
http://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.png00technicalAdminhttp://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.pngtechnicalAdmin2022-05-06 21:32:592022-05-06 22:00:16Project 93: The Rise and Fall of the Buffalo Population in Canada
I chose to research the giant hornets because I’m concerned about the honey industry. Honey is an important source of food and the industry provides jobs for many Canadians. Some questions we are going to explore include: What are giant hornets? Why are they a concern in North America? What should you do if you see one?
Why did you choose this topic:
I enjoy studying biology because I like animals. Having a well balanced ecosystem is important for survival. The North American bee population has been declining in recent years due to many factors such as climate change. In addition, the appearance of the giant hornets also known as the “Murderous” hornets in British Columbia has put the North American honey industry at risk. Honey bees are important for pollination and for the food industry. Without pollination, oxygen levels would be lower.
Please summarize your experience in researching this project?
Giant Hornets are hornets that come from Asia. They have arrived in British Columbia, Canada. The Vancouver Port is a huge harbour with many ships carrying cargo for exports and imports. The giant hornets were discovered in a shipping container in 2019. The giant hornets have the nickname “Murderous” hornets. They are considered an invasive species in North America.
Honey bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers. They produce honey. Honeybees are domesticated, they produce honey and wax. Wax can be used for making candles, soaps and cosmetics. Honey is important in many different ways. Honey is an important source of food. They can be in food products such as soup, sauces, salad dressings and much more. Honey can also be used for medicine. Honey is a multi-million dollar industry in North America. The industry provides jobs for many Canadians so it is important to the economy.
Giant hornets target honey bees in the food chain because they have to feed their young so they can grow strong and healthy. The giant hornets are attracted to the honey. The larger giant hornets decapitate the honey bees and feed the mid section of the body to their young. Thus, they get the nickname “murderous.”
How did you personally connect to this project?
I enjoy protecting animals. The invasive giant hornets are a danger to Canadian jobs and to the honey bees. I became concerned and more interested in them after our teacher, Mr. Gee, introduced the story to my class in social studies during a current events discussion. Protecting all living things is important part of my religion Islam.
What are your conclusions about your topic?
In conclusion, the sightings of giant hornets in North America is a real threat to the honey bee population because they are the predators in the food chain. The honeybee population is at-risk, along with the honey industry because without honey, there will be less food. The declining numbers of the honeybee colonies in North America could lead to the loss of jobs. More proactive measures should be taken by beekeepers such as having a protective wire screen to protect their beehives from predators. In Canada, detection traps have been set up to find giant hornets in British Columbia. People can contact the Department of Agriculture in their province if they see a giant hornet. Be ready to give a detailed answer about the sighting.
http://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.png00technicalAdminhttp://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.pngtechnicalAdmin2022-05-06 21:27:202022-05-06 22:00:34Project 92: Look Out Honey Bees: The Discovery of Asian Giant Hornets in Canada
Who is Willie O’Ree? Why is he a role model for people? How have his accomplishments paved the way for others? Why did I choose to feature Willie O’Ree?
Why did you choose this topic:
I chose to research the professional hockey player Willie O’Ree because I enjoy playing floor hockey at school. I enjoy participating in team sports, and I enjoy working with others. I learn from winning, but I also learn from losing. I wanted to research more about the life of Willie O’Ree because he dealt with hardships in being a visible minority while playing professional hockey. I studied role models in February during Black History Month. He was a pioneer for visible minorities in the National Hockey League.
Please summarize your experience in researching this project?
Willie O’Ree was born on October 15, 1935. He is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is best known for being the first black hockey player in the National Hockey League. O’Ree played as a winger for the Boston Bruins. He is often referred to as the Jackie Robinson of ice hockey. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 18. In 1957-1958, he played for the Boston Bruins. In his second season, he played 43 games and scored 4 goals and added 10 assists.
Remarkably, O’Ree played with an injury and disability most of his career. Safety is important. Hockey helmets became mandatory in the NHL in 1979. In junior hockey, Willie O’Ree was injured in his right eye after he took a puck in the face. He lost 95 percent of the vision in his right eye. Fearing his hockey career was over, he kept this a secret. “While I played, the only person who knew I was blind in my right eye was my sister, and I swore her to secrecy,” O’Ree said. O’Ree’s perseverance shows that he is a champion. He fought through his vision impairment and had success.
How did you personally connect to this project?
I can relate to Willie O’Ree because I am Sudanese. I have seen racism at school and outside of school. In Canada, we live in a multicultural society. The Canadian Charter of RIghts and Freedoms gives us Equality Rights. As Canadians, we are all equal, and everyone should be respected regardless of race, ethnicity, age and gender. The fact that Willie O’Ree was the first black person to play in the National Hockey League is astonishing. It shows me that I can be anything I want as long as I am determined. Just like Moccasin Danny in “The Moccasin Goalie” by William Roy Brownridge, O”Ree overcame challenges to play hockey.
What are your conclusions about your topic?
The path of Willie O’Ree was not an easy one. Willie O’Ree, like Jackie Robinson in Major League Baseball, were “trail blazers.” They opened opportunities for future generations. I am inspired by people such as Willie O’Ree because they show you that determination and perseverance can lead you to success. O’Ree inspired generations of people. He inspired many people such as P.K. Subban. Subban is one of the NHL’s best defenseman. He met O’Ree at the 2016 NHL Winter Classic.
http://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.png00technicalAdminhttp://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.pngtechnicalAdmin2022-05-06 21:20:192022-05-06 22:00:42Project 91: Willie O’Ree: The Amazing Role Model for Everyone
Why did the Panda bears leave the Calgary Zoo? Why is it important to protect animals? How can you learn more about Panda bears?
Why did you choose this topic:
I chose to research panda bears because I like animals. I am interested in biology. Panda bears are friendly herbivores, and I enjoyed seeing them in films and books. In class, my classmates and I viewed the Disney Nature film Born in China. I became interested in giant pandas after watching the video. I was sad to hear that they left Canada because I didn’t get a chance to see them at the Calgary Zoo.
Please summarize your experience in researching this project?
Two panda bears came to Canada in 2013. Canada and China made an agreement for them to stay at the Toronto Zoo and Calgary Zoo. During their stay, they had 2 cubs. The 2 giant pandas were Er Shun and Da Mao. The 4 pandas arrived at Calgary Zoo in 2018. Giant pandas eat 40 kilograms of bamboo a day. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought supply challenges. Even before the pandemic, finding fresh bamboo was becoming harder. Eventually, the decision was made to return the pandas to China in November 2020. They returned 3 years early because their health was important.
How did you personally connect to this project?
I am a Muslim, I practice the religion Islam. Respecting nature and all living things are important to me and all Muslims. I enjoy nature and animals. Panda bears are special to me because they are peaceful and have a care-free nature. Islam means peace. As of 2020, Pandas are no longer on the endangered species list, but they are classified as vulnerable. The World Wildlife Fund wrote that the panda’s “population increased by 17% in a decade. It shows that conservation efforts are working and provides hope for the world’s other threatened wildlife.” In social studies, we have discussed that conservation of natural resources is important. The panda bears’ survival and growth in population is an example.
What are your conclusions about your topic?
Experts concluded that the decision to return the giant pandas to China was out of safety. The pandas from the Calgary Zoo have returned home to China. They were scheduled to be in Canada longer, but their well-being was more important. I was sad to hear that the Calgary Zoo couldn’t find fresh and suitable bamboo for the pandas. This was extremely hard during the COVID-19 pandemic because shipping items from around the world was riskier because of germs. Everyone was taking more safety measures. Having food is important because it is a physical need and it affects the quality of life for people as well as animals. Thank you Di-Moa and Er Shun for visiting Canada at the Toronto Zoo and Calgary Zoo. We are grateful for the chance to learn more about giant pandas.
http://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.png00technicalAdminhttp://www.edmontonheritagefair.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sitelogo-300x138.pngtechnicalAdmin2022-05-06 21:14:462022-05-07 09:35:59Project 90: Panda Bears Return Home
We are researching Cenovus Energy’s Indigenous Housing Initiative. Some questions that we will explore are: What is the progress of Cenovus Energy’s Indigenous Housing Initiative after 2 years? How does providing hope help people heal? Why help others in the community?
Why did you choose this topic:
We chose this topic because we enjoy helping others in the community. During the school year, my classmates and I studied the regions in northern Alberta. We read all about Cenovus Energy and how the company is helping families in the 6 northern Alberta Indigenous communities in social studies. Cenovus Energy is building brand new homes in Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Chard Metis (Local 218), Conklin Metis (Local 193), Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation, Cold Lake First Nation, and Heart Lake First Nation. The company has committed 50 million dollars for the next 5 years on building new homes. Throughout the school year, we have also studied the dark legacy residential schools in Canada. Many individuals are still recovering and healing from their experiences in residential schools. The last residential school closed in 1996 in Saskatchewan. It was called the Gordon’s Indian Residential School.
At Edmonton Islamic Academy, we believe in helping others. During our school’s Sparks Run event in September 2021, we raised over $1300 for the nutrition program at Prince Charles School. Prince Charles School provides their students with Cree Language instruction and cultural teachings and activities. Our school has an on-going partnership with Prince Charles School in which we learn about each other’s culture. I went with Mr. Gee to present the donation cheque at Prince Charles School in October. I felt proud helping others. Being a good neighbour is an important part of Islam.
In December, our grade 4 classes led a project called Giving Gratitude. We collected hundreds of new winter gloves, scarves, hats, and socks for the less fortunate. The donations were sent to Boyle Street Community Services and to NISA Homes, a local women’s shelter. We also collected a van load of food items for the IFSSA Food Bank in Edmonton. The above charity work made us feel proud as responsible citizens. Helping people is fundamental to the principles of Islam, and this is why Jenna and I chose to feature Cenovus Energy’s Indigenous Housing Initiative in northern Alberta.
Please summarize your experience in researching this project?
Cenovus Energy is a large oil and gas company that was founded in December 2009. Its headquarter is located in Calgary, Alberta. On January 30, 2020, Cenovus Energy announced that they are donating $50,000,000 to 6 northern Alberta Indigenous communities. Their goal is to build 200 homes in these communities. The community members in these regions are experiencing a housing crisis. There is a lack of available housing. As a result, many homes are overcrowded. As well, many homes have mold and lead pipes, and this is unsafe.
After 2 years, Cenovus Energy has made significant progress with their Indigenous Housing Initiative. Jenna and I interviewed Mr. Troy Peterson. Mr. Peterson is the Senior Indigenous Housing Initiative Specialist with Cenovus Energy. In 2021, Cenovus Energy built 34 homes in 5 communities. In total, 46 new homes were built in 2020 and 2021 despite the challenges of working around the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cenovus Energy is currently aiming to complete construction for another 46 homes in 2022 in all 6 northern Indigenous communities. Despite the rising costs of building materials, construction is steady and stable. Mr. Peterson shared this important message in our interview:
“The COVID pandemic has affected all businesses. To ensure that the program builds as many homes as it can, we have chosen to extend the program’s schedule. Originally the program was scheduled from 2020-2024. We now expect to complete the program in 2026.”
COVID-19 did not slow down Cenovus Energy’s determination to help with housing in northern Alberta. Jenna and I are amazed with this announcement. Rather than just letting the COVID-19 pandemic slow down the construction, Cenovus Energy’s extension means more people can get new homes and time will not run out. Construction does not have to rush because everyone’s safety is important.
How did you personally connect to this project?
Jenna and I practice the religion Islam. Islam means peace. Throughout the year, our school has led initiatives that help the community. For our heritage fair project, we wanted to help raise the awareness level and share the message that many northern Albertan communities are having housing challenges. Along with developing our research and communication skills, Jenna and I decided to apply our sewing skills. We made 18 handmade pillows to show our support to the Indigenous communities of Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Chard Metis (Local 218), Conklin Metis (Local 193), Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation, Cold Lake First Nation, and Heart Lake First Nation. We chose the shape of a circle for the pillows because a circle represents equality and fairness. We have learned that the circle itself is sacred among First Nations people. The circle can represent healing, gatherings of people, family structure, meetings, songs, and dances. Pillows symbolize comfort.
Jenna and I gathered a group of students from Grades 4, 5, and 6. Together, we made orange pillows and posters for each of the 6 northern Indigenous communities that Cenovus Energy is building homes. We want to share the message that we support you with hope and that– Every Child Matters. The legacy of residential schools in Canada is a sad and dark one. People are still healing, and it is hard to read about the new potential of unmarked graves of missing children in northern Alberta such as the one at St. Bernard’s mission in Grouard. Our goal is to show support to everyone.
What are your conclusions about your topic?
Cenovus Energy is an agent of hope. The Indigenous Housing Initiative is keeping families safe and together during these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is important because many northern families have unsafe drinking water and mold in their homes. The Indigenous Housing Initiative serves as a reminder that we are stronger when we work together. Helen Keller wrote “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Jenna and I gathered a team of grade 4, 5, and 6 students because we know that we can have a more powerful impact by spreading the awareness level for the need of housing in northern Alberta.
Once again, thank you Mr. Alex Pourbaix and Cenovus Energy for being a leader in First Nations reconciliation. Jenna and I would like to thank Mr. Trent Zacharias and Mr. Troy Peterson for accepting our email interview. We are grateful for the opportunity to conduct a first-hand interview with you. Our interview along with your Indigenous Housing Initiative construction photos served as our primary source in our research. We hope that your initiative lasts 10 years because our communities will be better across Alberta.
