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Science Odyssey and Science Rendezvous 2018

April 30, 2018

Written by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford

Science Odyssey is Canada's largest celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), powered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). It evolved from the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) and now involves activities for all ages around Canada, in museums, research centres, laboratories, and classrooms. Through the events, the hope is the public will be engaged in STEM in interactive and unique ways, as a reminder that STEM is extremely important for a productive, healthy, and educated society. In 2017, 873 activities or events occurred in 254 cities across Canada, with 364 partners! That's pretty impressive.

This year, Science Odyssey takes place May 11th-May 20th, 2018. Simon Fraser University will host a day of STEM activities under the title "Science Rendezvous," simultaneously with International Astronomy Day, on May 12th. Watch the video below for an overview of Science Rendezvous at Simon Fraser:

Science Rendezvous features a variety of activities, including (but not limited to!) a Glow in the Dark Chemistry Show, 3D printed models of animal bones, geometrical structures, and DNA strands; math puzzles, robotics, and more. You can even create your own ice cream using liquid nitrogen and discover your blood type! Admission is free, but registration for the shows is required. More information on registering can be found here. This year, Simon Fraser is focusing on incorporating arts activities for a full STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) experience.

In addition to the fun activities at Science Rendezvous, partners all across British Columbia are hosting events for Science Odyssey. You can see all scheduled events and activities here. In particular, here are some highlights:

Public Viewing, Sunshine Coast Centre Observatory

For International Astronomy Day, the Sunshine Coast Centre Observatory welcomes the public for a viewing starting at 8:30pm at the Sechelt Airport, weather permitting. More info at the Sunshine Coast Centre Observatory website.

When: May 12th, 8:30pm-11:00pm
Where: Sechelt-Gibsons Airport, Sechelt, BC
Age Group: All ages
Price: Free

Unveiling the Universe: The Record Keepers of the Universe

This Unveiling the Universe lecture is part of TRIUMF’s 50th anniversary series, hosted in partnership with Telus World of Science. Scientists at TRIUMF are searching for answers to some of the universe's biggest questions. TRIUMF research scientist Dr. Monika Stachura will explore the human side of star-stuff, journeying from the birth of elements forged in stars to their current destination inside our remarkable yet mysterious bodies.

When: May 9, 2018, 6:00pm
Where: Science World, Vancouver, BC
Age Group: Secondary schools, college and university, adults
Price: Free
Registration Required. Visit Eventbrite.

The Baffling Case of Beaver Lake

Solve a mystery of microscopic proportions with the Stanley Park Ecology Society when a series of clues is left from a breach at Beaver Lake!

Curious investigators must learn about the swimming invertebrates of our freshwater habitats to crack the case. Only you can unwrangle the puzzle at the Stanley Park Nature House laboratory, where we examine the evidence with magnifiers and microscopes.

When: Saturday, May 12th & Sunday, May 13th, anytime between 10:00am-4:00pm
Where: Stanley Park Nature House on Lost Lagoon, Vancouver, BC
Age Group: All ages, ideal for kids
Price: Free
Registration Required. Visit Eventbrite.

Ocean Odyssey

The Ocean Odyssey Weekend will take place during the weekend of May 12 and 13 and is presented by the World Fisheries Trust. All nearby schools and the general public will be invited to visit the Nature House and take part in ocean-science themed outreach activities, including the hands-on Seaquaria touch tank, watershed model, interpretive natrues walks and nature-themed crafts.

When: May 12th and 13th, 10:00am-3:00pm
Where: Gorge Waterway Nature House, Esquimalt Gorge Park, Victoria, BC
Age Group: All ages
Price: Free

For more Science Odyssey events all over British Columbia and Canada, visit the Science Odyssey website. There, you can also find ways to be involved in Science Odyssey, such as the SciPOP pledge for teachers or writing for Science Odyssey. You can sign up for updates and enter the Science Odyssey family contest to win prizes!