Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; these areas of study comprise the acronym STEM.  A "STEM Fair" is replacing the concept of a "Science Fair" in ASD-N and such a fair was held March 26th for district elementary schools in the Miramichi area. The concept of STEM allows for a broader consideration of research topics and highlights the components’ interdependency. As well students are encouraged  to think critically about bigger issues in society related to the STEM areas.      Tuesday’s event allowed students from Kindergarten through grade 5  to showcase their personal areas of interest. In preparation, they were encouraged to call on their own curiosity about what they observe around them, ask a question and investigate for the answer, either through research or experimentation. Their audience at the fair consisted of fellow exhibitors, parents, judges and members of the public. Participants in this regional event were chosen from STEM Fairs in their respective schools but were not competing amongst each other. Medals were not awarded. Although each exhibitor shared their work with “judges” the purpose was to give them an opportunity to talk in some depth about their work and receive not only recognition but perhaps reassurance and direction for pursuing their topics further. In addition to exhibiting the young researchers took part in “break-out” enrichment sessions involving collaborating to construct cantilevers with spaghetti noodles and a demonstration of high school physics. To see photos from the fair visit  ASD-N Miramichi Area STEM Fair .