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From Science Olympics to bridge building competitions,
professionals and students alike took math and science out
of the classrooms and into the realm of hands-on applications
as part of National Engineering and Geoscience Week, March
1-9.
NEGW is an annual event designed to increase public awareness
about the important role engineers, geologists and geophysicists
play in the everyday lives of Canadians. This year's theme,
Visions of Things to Come, reminded us there is much more
to come from these talented professionals.
In Alberta, APEGGA sponsored a number of events across the
province to showcase the impressive work done by engineers
and geoscientists on a daily basis.
For the eighth straight year, APEGGA teamed up with the Edmonton
Journal and Calgary Herald to issue a supplement highlighting
the province's vibrant engineering and geoscience communities.
Reaching more than 700,000 households in Alberta, the supplement
hit the streets Feb. 27. Advertising from APEGGA members,
permit holders, and employers of APEGGA professionals supported
the production of this promotional publication.
Egg launchers and mechanical jousts took centre stage at
the Edmonton Science Olympics, March 1 at the Shaw Conference
Centre. About 400 students competed for gold in a variety
of hands-on science events, including take-home events and
"mystery" events revealed to teams on the day of
the competition. Alberta Milk donated milk and cookies to
all competitors and APEGGA's Outreach Program provided a hands-on
science booth for spectators.
The Peace Country and Fort McMurray branches sponsored similar
Science Olympics in their regions, with impressive turnouts
and enthusiastic competitors.
Students in Calgary were invited to enter APEGGA's Poster
and Essay Contests. Budding Picassos in grades 1-6 designed
posters based on the Visions of Things to Come theme. Top
designers won a pizza party at the Calgary Science Centre.
An essay contest asked aspiring writers in grades 7-9 to detail
one of the great engineering feats of the 20th century or
one of the geological wonders of Alberta. Top writers spent
a day as an engineer, geologist or geophysicist.
Bridging the gap between classroom concepts and practical
application, the Provincial School Challenge gave students
across Alberta an opportunity to use the principles of physics,
combined with structural and materials engineering principles.
Teams of students in grades 1-12 were challenged to design
a Popsicle stick bridge that could hold the most weight while
weighing the least. More than 100 entries were received and
winning teams will be awarded cash prizes to be used toward
the purchase of school materials or field trips.
Preliminary planning is already underway for next year's NEGW.
Plan to volunteer for one of the activities, get your kids
involved, or just come out and be a part of Visions of Things
to Come.
View photos here.
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