The 8th annual International Student Science Fair (ISSF) kicked off at the University of Manitoba on April 30, marking the first time the event has been held in Canada.

"This event is helping get our children excited about learning and builds on the provincial government's goal of improving the quality of education for every student in Manitoba," said Education Minister Nancy Allan. "More specifically, it supports our commitment to enhance student engagement in science and support professional learning for science teachers as part of the Manitoba Science Education Action Plan."

The ISSF is an annual event that brings together high-school students, teachers and school leaders who are passionate about thematics and science, to share and develop the learning and teaching of science research and education.

Forty-two schools from 17 countries are participating in this year's fair, which is co-hosted by Fort Richmond Collegiate and the Pembina Trails School Division, in partnership with Manitoba Education.

The theme for ISSF 2012 is Living Sustainably - The Role of Science and Technology.  Within this theme, participants explore relevant topics of study in six different areas: clean water, climate change, sustainable energy, feeding the world, health and genomics, and science for society.

Students also have the opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers from Manitoba universities, as well as government and non-governmental organizations.

"Helping kids make the connection between their science class and their everyday lives early on will help keep them engaged as they grow up and set them on a path toward more learning opportunities and good job opportunities," said Allan.

For more information about the ISSF, go to www.issf2012.org.