Karissa Lethbridge, Alberta

Fair address: Southern Alberta Regional Heritage Fair

Project: Canada's Canola

Canada's Canola looks at the history and importance of canola, the world's only "made in Canada" crop.  

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

Did you know that in 1996 Canada's canola seeds were taken to space to study the effects on growth and germination? Did you know canola oil was used to fuel a race car that ran on canola biodiesel? Isn't canola amazing?!?

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

Canola is one of Canada's most valuable crops. Canadian's need to know that canola is a much healthier choice for cooking and baking because it is cholesterol and trans fat free.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

The people who brought rapeseed to Canada, the Canadian scientists who created canola, Robert Thirsk who brought canola seeds to space, and Kevin Therres who made the first race car to run on canola biodiesel were all courageous people who weren't afraid to take risks. Like those that have gone before us we too can be daring and try our creative ideas!