Last year, Ben Chisolm’s science project used an electrical current to convert water to its hydrogen and oxygen components.
This year, his project reversed the process.
He captured an electrical current created by combining hydrogen and oxygen, and now he has won his way to the national science fair.
“I wanted to win, and I was pleased that I did,” said the Alouette elementary student.
His science fair project, titled Fuel Cycle of the Future: Part 2, was on display in Abbotsford at the Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair from April 1-4, at the University of the Fraser Valley campus.
It re-combined hydrogen and oxygen inside a fuel cell, and the energy created was used to power the motor for a small fan.
Similar hydrogen fuel cells are being developed as an energy source that is highly efficient and pollution free.
Chisholm’s was selected as one of the top four projects out of 162 entries. Three were more than 24 schools, representing Abbotsford, Langley, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Maple Ridge, and some 210 kids taking part in the science fair.
Chisolm’s invention caught the eye of the province’s energy supplier, and he also won the B.C. Hydro Award for the best energy producer.
That garnered him a trophy, plaque and a cash prize of $100.
The Canada-Wide Science Fair will be held in Windsor, Ontario from May 10-17. There will be about 1,000 participants – 500 of the country’s top young scientists, 200 adult chaperones and more than 300 professionals who will judge the entries.
The Best Project Award includes $10,000 cash.
In addition, there are 70 medals that will be awarded by grade category, and they also bring cash prizes.
Last year’s $10,000 winner was a project titled Silver Nano-Particle Therapy: A New Cure for Cancer, by Adam Noble of Peterborough, Ont.