Science week in Nelson brings learning to new heights
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily
Science World, a Community Science Celebration, the regional science fair and a science workshop for adults highlights what will be a busy week for exploring and discovering the world of science, Kootenay style, in Nelson starting Tuesday.
Science World BC is bringing its zany brand of science to Nelson from March 28 to April 2, Schools in Nelson and the Kootenay Association for Science & Technology will host Science World and profile local innovators for a week of science fun, exploration and celebration.
School-based programs include Science World On the Road programming in local elementary and middle schools, and an Opening the Door networking event connecting young adults with local science and technology professionals to learn more about future career opportunities in science.
People are invited to the grand finale Community Science Celebration on Saturday, April 2.
Science World On the Road
Science World On the Road will bring Science World’s approach to science into
schools. Students will discover energy, forces, pressure and the creativity of science.
On the Road brings textbook concepts to life and inspires children to learn more about science and technology.
Tuesday, March 29, 9:30 am
It’s a Gas – Ecole des Sentiers‐Alpins, Nelson
Tuesday, March 29, 1 pm
Under Pressure – Trafalgar Junior High School
Wednesday, March 30, 10 am
Sporty Science – Whole School, Winlaw
Wednesday, March 30, 1:30 p.m.
Under Pressure – Mount Sentinel Secondary, South Slocan
Thursday, March 31, 9 am
Sporty Science – JV Humphries Elementary Secondary, Kaslo
Thursday, March 31, 10:15 am
Under Pressure – Rosemont Elementary School
Thursday, March 31, 1:30 pm
Sporty Science – Rosemont Elementary School
Friday, April 1, 9 am
It’s a Gas – St Joseph School, Nelson
Friday, April 1, 10:15 am
Energy In Action – St Joseph School, Nelson
Friday, April 1, 1:30 pm
Under Pressure – Salmo Secondary, Salmo
Opening the Door
Thursday, March 31, 8:45 am – 11:30 am
L.V. Rogers Secondary School
Science World’s Opening the Door is a career-networking event for Grade 10 to 12 students. This event is designed to give youth an opportunity to meet and network with mentors in a variety of scientific fields.
Community Science Celebration
In celebration of 2011’s official designation as the Year of Science in BC, the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) is partnering with Science World and Selkirk College to present the Community Science Celebration.
This year the celebration is moving to Selkirk College in Nelson this Saturday, April 2 (beginning at 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) and is held in conjunction with the West Kootenay Regional Science Fair (for kids from school districts 20, 8, 51, 10).
The regional winner of the science fair gets to go to the Canada-wide science fair — in Toronto this year — with KAST helping with some travel costs ($1,500).
What is a Community Science Celebration?
Community Science Celebrations encourage students to enjoy their science studies, and consider pursuing careers in the exciting science and technology sector.
The celebrations involve the local science and technology industry and other local agencies, schools and community organizations touched by science and technology.
Families will learn about local businesses and organizations in the area that are working with science in new and innovative ways.
The community science celebration is a way to gain insight into the many diverse careers available in the West Kootenay in the world of science and technology.
New displays
This year the Celebration includes Nelson-based Academy of Classical Oriental Science, featuring an innovative presentation of “Gravity Therapy – the Positive Impact that Gravity has on the Body.”
And old favourites, like Fortis BC, are returning with an electricity demonstration of pedal power: can a bike generate enough energy to power a light bulb?
The White Sturgeon Recovery Group will introduce guests to the mysterious world of the rare, prehistoric fish that call our Columbia River home, and demonstrate how they are working to maintain the population.
The event also features the APEGBC (professional engineers and geoscientists) and a popsicle bridge-building competition. Children get a kit, build a bridge and bring it in for testing (until it collapses) to see who’s bridge holds the most weight.
The particulars
Doors open at 10:30 a.m., Science World shows at noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Noon – Amazing Science Show Selkirk College
1 p.m. – Hot Stuff! Game Show
3 p.m. – Science Surprise Show
Public viewing of West Kootenay Regional Science Fair projects from 11-1 p.m.
Science workshop
Science World BC is hosting a workshop in Nelson for adults looking to encourage kids to become more enthusiastic about science.
All adult scientists, engineers and technologists are welcome to attend this dynamic workshop Wednesday, March 30 at Selkirk College’s 10th Street Campus (5-8:30 p.m.) that will help them in igniting a love of science in elementary and high school students.
Hosted as part of Science World’s Scientists and Innovators in the Schools (SIS) program, the workshop is appropriate for anyone wanting to learn more about classroom presentations in a fun environment or for anyone interested in joining the SIS program.
Participants will learn six keys to effective presentations, presentation ideas for different grade levels, and much more.
Scientists and Innovators in the Schools (SIS) is a program that helps address British Columbia’s need for more scientists, engineers, technologists and technicians to promote students’ interest in these areas.
The program’s goal is to inspire students with exciting, in-school presentations by real scientists. The program is offered to grades K–12 everywhere in BC.
Interested individuals can register by contacting Rebecca at sisinfo@scienceworld.ca or 604-443-7551.
About Science World
Science World British Columbia is a non-profit organization engaging British Columbians in science and inspires future science and technology leadership throughout our province.
