National Science & Technology Week: "Science is Inventing" Again Theme

by Marissa Lee

Celebrate invention and innovation at this year's National Science and Technology Week running Oct. 17 - 26. The ten-day event is an opportunity for APEGGA members across the province to encourage students in science, and inform the public about the contributions made to society by the engineering and geoscience professions. As in previous years, the Association is organizing and sponsoring a series of events.

APEGGA is teaming up with the Edmonton Space and Science Centre and the Calgary Science Network for the provincial launch. The kick-off simultaneously takes place on Oct. 15, in both cities. Students will be bused in for a half-day of hands-on science.

Students throughout the province will complete a hands-on challenge based on inventing whimsical machines. Sponsored by APEGGA and Science Alberta Foundation, the challenge allows students from Grades 1 to 12 to explore concepts of energy transfer.

The Pet Rock and Fossil Clinic happens Oct. 25. In its fifth year, this free event brings out folks who like to rock. Kids and adults alike are invited to bring in their found objects for identification by university geology students, professional geologists and museum curatorial staff.

Mall rats will love "Mall Science". Taking place at various shopping centres in Edmonton and Northlands Village Mall in Calgary, there will be lots of hands-on activities for elementary and junior high students.

Excellence in Education, an annual event recognizing recipients of APEGGA awards and scholarships in Alberta, will be held on Oct. 21 at the Edmonton Art Gallery and Oct. 23 at Quincy's Ballroom in Calgary.

Medicine Hat is holding a Science Fair seminar and partnering with other science groups for the annual Science Festival Oct. 17 ­ 18.

APEGGA branches are encouraged to host an event in their community. Members can also play a role in the success of National Science and Technology Week. Invent an opportunity-host an open house, volunteer a couple of hours to spend in a local classroom, or drop by any of the public events being planned during the ten-day stint. Look for the calendar of events in the next PEGG!

To find out how you can get involved, contact APEGGA's Public Affairs Officers, Marissa Lee at (403) 426-3990 or 1-800-661-7020 (toll free in Alberta), or Tracey Horne-Pettipas at 262-7714. E-mail: email@apegga.com

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