Science Happens Everywhere in Alberta National Science and Technology Week Is October 15 to 24

October 1, 2010 Science happens everywhere in Alberta National Science and Technology Week is October 15 to 24

Edmonton... Communities and organizations across Alberta will put the spotlight on science during National Science and Technology Week from October 15 to 24.

Students, families and Albertans of all ages can enjoy science up close through a variety of activities and events that celebrate Alberta’s science and technology achievements, inspire future scientists and innovators, and bring science to life in the everyday world. This week of celebration also highlights the important role of innovation in today’s knowledge-based economy and in developing solutions to challenges, creating new industries and improving quality of life in Alberta and abroad. Albertans are invited to get involved in one of the many activities and events happening around the province. National Science and Technology Week is hosted annually by Natural Resources Canada and is supported by many organizations across Canada, including the Alberta government. For more information, visit www.science.gc.ca/NSTW. -30- Backgrounder: National Science and Technology Week activities and events. Media inquiries may be directed to: Marie Cusack, Public Affairs Officer, Advanced Education and Technology 780-427-0038 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. October 1, 2010

National Science and Technology Week activities and events October 16 (Fort McMurray) Behind the scenes with MythBusters Science Alberta Foundation brings Grant Imahara and Tory Belleci from the Discovery Channel’s hit show MythBusters to Fort McMurray’s Suncor Community Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 16. Media and public are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information, visit www.sciencehappenshere.ca/mythbusters, or contact Susan Mainella, Director of Operations, Science Alberta Foundation by email at [email protected] or phone at 403-220-0077, ext. 241. October 25 (Calgary), October 26 (Edmonton) High school students meet world’s top biomedical researchers Almost 700 high school students from Edmonton and Calgary will hear what it’s like to be a medical researcher from some of the world’s top scientists. The scientists are all recipients of the Canada Gairdner International Award, one of the world’s most prestigious awards in biomedical science. They include Bill Kaelin (Dana Farber Cancer Center), Cal Stiller (University of Western Ontario), Kim Nasmyth (Oxford University), and William Catterall (University of Washington). Media are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Dwayne Brunner, Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions by email [email protected] or phone 1-877-423-5727. Monday, October 25 (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), Libin Theatre, Health Sciences Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary. Scientists: Bill Kaelin, Cal Stiller, Kim Nasmyth Tuesday October 26 (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), Bernard Snell Theatre, Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton. Scientists: Cal Stiller, Kim Nasmyth, William Catterall. On until November 6 (Fort McMurray) Science Happens Here takes over the town The last time you were this close to science it took a month for your eyebrows to grow back! The Science Happens Here program organized by Science Alberta Foundation runs in one Alberta community each year and highlights the cool and amazing science happening in the community and the careers that make it possible. This year, Science Happens Here is in Fort McMurray and includes contests, opportunities to see unique science displays, and businesses showcasing their science and technology. For more information, visit www.sciencehappenshere.ca, or contact Susan Mainella, Director of Operations, Science Alberta Foundation by email at [email protected] or phone at 403-220-0077, ext. 241. Calling for nominations for best Iron Science Teacher The search is on for Canada’s best science teacher. Under the spotlight and in front of a cheering crowd, talented science educators from across Canada will compete to be an Iron Science Teacher. Students can nominate their teacher with a one-minute video. The best clips will be aired on Discovery Channel's Daily Planet. The students with the winning videos will earn a prize and the teachers will be entered in the pool of contestants for Iron Science Teacher 2011. Deadline is December 31. Enter online at www.ironscience.ca. For more information, contact Mary Anne Moser, Director of Communications, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary by email [email protected] or phone 403-220-3656. Bringing science to life in your community (Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat) Regional networks within the Alberta Science Literacy Association promote life-long interest in science, technology and nature through programs for children, educators, families or the general public. Bringing science to life, volunteer scientists and engineers are available to offer free experiential science opportunities in classrooms or in the community. For media or public to contact a network in the community, visit www.asla.ca/pdfs/The_Science_Networks_Fall_2010_AAE&T.pdf or call Patty Rooks, Regional Operations Director, Alberta Science Literacy Association by email [email protected] or phone 403-832-2752. October 7 to November 20 (Edmonton) Polar Impact: Understanding Change in the Circumpolar Worlds The University of Alberta Museums’ exhibition, Polar Impact: Understanding Change in the Circumpolar Worlds, features artifacts, specimens and museum objects from research projects exploring changes in northern Canada and other parts of the circumpolar North regions of the world. This exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Circumpolar Institute and features some of the work of the more than 250 University of Alberta researchers who are associated with the institute. Polar Impact is located in the University of Alberta Museums’ Gallery A in the TELUS Centre (87 Ave and 111 St). Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free. Media and public are welcome. For more information please visit www.museums.ualberta.ca or www.ualberta.ca/polar; email Holly Sykora, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, University of Alberta Museums at [email protected]; or phone reception at 780-492-5834. October 28, November 4, November 18 (Edmonton) Polar Impact Conversations: Perspectives on Northern Peoples and Their Environments. This series of conversations with researchers gives a deeper understanding of changes occurring in northern Canada and other northern regions of the world. These Thursday-sessions will be held in the TELUS Centre Auditorium from 7 to 8 p.m. Visit the Polar Impact museum gallery before-hand, which is open noon to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission is free. Media and public are welcome. For more information please visit www.museums.ualberta.ca or www.ualberta.ca/polar; email Holly Sykora, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, University of Alberta Museums at [email protected]; or phone reception at 780-492-5834. Available until November 12 (Edmonton) Tickets now on sale for ASTech Gala The 21st annual ASTech Gala will bring together more than 700 representatives from government, industry, media and educational institutions to celebrate the outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the success of science and technology in Alberta. The awards are among the highest honours for members of Alberta's science and technology community. The gala is Friday, November 12 in Edmonton at the Shaw Conference Centre. Media and public are welcome to attend. For tickets or information visit www.astech.ab.ca, or contact Bev Jones, Executive Director, ASTech Foundation by email [email protected] or phone 403-220-9130. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Media inquiries may be directed to: Marie Cusack, Public Affairs Officer, Advanced Education and Technology 780-427-0038 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Alberta Government | Newsroom | Ministries Listing | Advanced Education and Technology Home Page | News Releases | Top of Page |