University of Regina showcasing all things science

Posted: April 28, 2011 1:00 p.m.

Come learn about all things science-related at the first Science Rendezvous hosted by the Faculty of Science at the University of Regina.

Dr. Stephen Cheng, lead organizer and lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry says the event aims to engage people of all ages by showing everyone can do and learn science. The event takes place on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

"We are hoping the event will reinforce the common bond between businesses, the government, the public and the science community in Saskatchewan," said Cheng. "We also have a bunch of activities planned that show just how fun science can be."

Science Rendezvous is a national festival celebrating science. With its inception at the University of Toronto in 2008, the event engages, informs and entertains the public about the important role of science in our rapidly changing world.

Science Rendezvous will showcase the research and teaching that's happening in the Faculty of Science. Participants will be able to get an electrocardiogram and learn about the Faculty's pre-professional programs such as pre-medicine and pre-optometry and have an opportunity to chat with faculty members about current issues. They will also hear about the Laboratory of Computational Discovery and the supercomputing facility in the Faculty of Science.

There will be activities and demonstrations across the campus. Some of the stage shows will exhibit the University's scientific disciplines in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics. Demonstrations and hands-on activities such as: using ice cream-making to learn the three states of matter and freezing point depression; launching home-made rockets to learn the physics of rocketry; isolating DNA in vegetables; a glimpse at  rocks, minerals, and fossils; interactive exhibits on climate change and sustainability; and, the science of kitchen chemistry will be  on display.

"The University community - over 100 volunteers including undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty members and staff - is coming together to ensure that Science Rendezvous will be a success," said Cheng.

Free registration will take place on site the day of the event. For more information about Science Rendezvous visit www.sciencerendezvous.ca/2011/university-of-regina/.

For more information about the Faculty of Science visit www.uregina.ca/science.