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Fraser Lake student shines world science fair spotlight on northern B.C. snails

Fraser Lake’s Elizabeth Schulz is one of two British Columbians presenting their science at the 2017 Taiwan International Science Fair
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Elizabeth Schulz’s Grade 11 research on pond snails

What first started as an exploration of Swimmer’s itch for a Grade 8 student four years ago developed into research for the international audience this winter.

Fraser Lake’s Elizabeth Schulz, Grade 12, is one of two B.C. selected representatives on the way to Taiwan to present their science at the 2017 Taiwan International Science Fair from Feb. 5 to 11.

Representatives are chosen from 500 students across Canada that participated in the annual Canada Wide Science Fair, the participants of which produced top projects in the regional, district, and school level.

Sharing with students from 20 other countries this week about pond snails and their behaviour in reaction to different colours of light, Schulz first studied pond snails scientifically known as Lymnae stagnalis in Grade 8 when she examined them as hosts for the parasite that causes Swimmer’s itch a rash that sometimes appears on the skin of swimmers in lakes, ponds, and oceans.

Schulz looked at different methods to effectively and responsibly reduce the populations of the pond snail at recreational lakesides, earning her a silver medal and Best in Category award in Grade 8. She continued the project in the following year by using a “scrap and sweep” method that successfully reduce the population in three different snail habitats, earning a bronze medal for the project.

Her interest in pond snail behaviour then began in Grade 10, when she looked at the variation of snails’ mass and how their size length and mass is connected to their breathing, movement, and feeding.

In Grade 11, through training and memory testing sessions, she found that pond snails moved more under blue light than yellow light, and that learning only occurs under white light.

“This experiment has provided convincing data to support future research focussing on the effect of colour on neurological systems in the Lymnae stagnalis,” Schulz stated. “Through building knowledge of the simple nervous system of this model creature, there is tremendous potential to begin to unlock the mysteries of more complex neurological systems and mechanisms.”

Schulz participated in science fair since Grade 4 and was chosen for the Canada Wide Science Fair each year since Grade 8. While all work was done outside of class time, she enjoyed going snail hunting “it’s like a treasure hunt!” and received support from her teachers on reviewing her projects. The annual work also gave her the opportunity to gather knowledge and friends beyond school and the region, as she travelled to Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Quebec for the last national science fairs.

“The greatest things I have taken away is the knowledge I have gained regarding what I have discovered and through the research I have done on what others have discovered, and the knowledge I have gained through the years by speaking to other students, judges and the general public at district, regional and national fairs,” Schulz said. “I’ve made new friends and connections with people all across Canada and soon Taiwan!”

She also developed effective research skills, experimental design, data analysis, and communication, she added.

For her post-secondary plans, Schulz is already accepted into the science program of University of Northern British Columbia, where she’ll be exploring her various interests including pharmacy, speech pathology, and education.

“I would like to acknowledge the dedication of all people who have made science fairs an opportunity for youth in northern B.C.,” she said. “Being involved in science fairs has had a tremendous impact on my life and I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had and the people who have supported me in this process.”

Anjula Corbin, chair of the annual Central Interior Science Exhibition since 2002, has known Schulz since her participation in regional science fairs as an elementary school student and travelled with Schulz to national science fairs for the past years.

For Corbin, Schulz’s interest and work in science are shown through her projects, which are environmentally orientated with a practical, real-life application.

While Schulz won’t be able to contribute a new submission to this year’s regional fair in April, as she revises her Grade 11 project for Taiwan, she offered to give back by volunteering with the event, Corbin added. Schulz is invited to present her updated project to participating students.

“She’s a pleasure to travel with, a great ambassador for our region, and is a good mentor to younger students some participating in nationals for the first time as a Grade 7 student,” Corbin said. “Taking care of them on judging day, she really thinks of others.”

More information on Schulz’s project in 2017 Taiwan International Science Fair can be found on http://ow.ly/CTr0308mei7