West Kootenay families gear up to celebrate 2011 as The Year of Science
By Nelson Daily Staff
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 on 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 – bringing the community together and showcasing the best of science and technology education and opportunities in the region.
Shows by Science World bring the magic and wonder of science to life, appealing to kids and parents alike.
Families will learn about local businesses and organizations in the area that are working with science in new and innovative ways.
Science is helping to grow our local economy. The community science celebration is a fun way to gain insight into the many diverse careers available right here 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? Try it and find out.
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.
Public viewing of West Kootenay Regional Science Fair projects from 11-1 p.m.
About KAST
KAST is a registered, non-profit society whose members live and work throughout the West Kootenay-Boundary region and represent a broad range of interests in local industry, business, education and government.
KAST works to foster a culture that values science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship as activities vital to maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of the region.
