Science Literacy Week

September 25, 2016
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Provinces and territories all across Canada will be participating in Science Literacy Week from September 19 – September 25! What began in Toronto with four participating institutions has grown to involve over one hundred participants. This week is designed to showcase the excellence and diversity of science outreach institutions and highlight just how outstanding Canada’s scientists and science communicators are from the west to the east coast.

Explore the wonderful world of science over events from nature walks, astronomy nights and public lectures, to hands-on science activities at libraries, universities, museums and more. Multiple events will be taking place throughout the week – there’s bound to be something for everyone!

Check out some of the exciting events taking place throughout BC:

SFU Events

September 21: Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon: Local Women in Science
Join members of the SFU, UBC and BCIT communities and help to improve Wikipedia articles about local women in science! This fun event is open to all, whether you've never touched Wikipedia or have been posting articles for years.

September 22: Indigenous Science Panel
Although Western and Indigenous science systems may seem to be fundamentally opposed, they don't have to be. Join a panel of experts to explore the relationship between these two unique ways of looking at the world.

September 23: SFU Café Scientifique
Café Scientifique is a series of informal discussions that connects research to important issues of interest to the community. Be part of the discussion and hear from award-winning researchers at SFU’s Faculty of Science. Friday’s topic will be on “Rebirth of curiosity and wonder: how do we achieve this while teaching science at University?” with Dr. Ivona Mladenovic.

September 23: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Lunch and Learn
Enjoy some free pizza and talk to IEEE students about what their faculty has to offer!  

September 24: SFU Burnaby, Tours of the Environmental Medicine and Physiology Unit and Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard
On these tours, get the behind the sciences access to labs and research facilities or learn about the universe and gaze at stars.

September 24: Let's Talk Science: The Science of the Human Body
This family event will feature demonstrations and hands-on activities revolving around the weird wonders of the human body.

Other SFU Science Literacy Events

Vancouver Events

September 20-25: Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Join UBC's Beaty Biodiversity Museum for a host of engaging activities, from hands-on biodiversity workshops and late-night museum tours to puppet shows. You can check out all of Beaty's events here
 
Looking for the opportunity to learn cool science things in a casual bar setting? Look no further! For this unique event, Anecdotal Evidence, Cafe Scientifique, Curiosity Collider and Nerd Nite are coming together to present the ultimate night of science goodness at the Fox Cabaret. Speakers include Jennifer Gardy, Cheryl Wellington, and Sarah Louadi. 
 

September 24: RASC Triple Star Party 
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's Vancouver branch would like to invite you to a special night of stargazing! This event is running at SFU, Science World and Selvey Park, so you'll be sure to find a location that's right for you.

Vancouver Public Library events

September 19-25: Multiple events and locations
Celebrate your love for science at various branches across Vancouver! Tons of events will be taking place across the city including Scavenger Hunting, Space Odyssey, Programming with Raspberry PI Microcomputers, Electric Bugs and Family Storytime. Whether you’re learning to code, performing out-of-this-world challenges or sharing science stories, you won't want to miss it! Find specific branch event dates and times here.

Fraser Valley Regional Library events

September 20-24: Multiple events and locations
There are multiple events taking place at libraries across the Fraser Valley! Take your pick from fun events including a STEAM Exhibit, Science-Themed Storytimes, The Great Airplane Contest, Fire and Ice Show, Gross Out Science, Lego Club and much more! View specific branch event dates and times here.

Greater Victoria Public Library events

September 19-23: Multiple events and locations
Different branches in the Victoria area will be holding events over Science Literacy Week. Listen to stories and join in on fun activities during Science Storytime for Preschoolers, or learn about diverse bugs with the Victoria Bug Zoo Crew! View the event calendar for more information closer to the date.

Okanagan Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) events

September 17: Revelstoke Evening Under the Stars, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks
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September 18: Tour of the Universe, Mission Creek Regional Park
The Okanagan RASC will be presenting exciting space talks, beginning from our water-covered planet to the rest of the universe. Be prepared to delve deeper into many other astronomic objects!

Find out more and view the full list of events on Science Literacy Week’s official website