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March 2006
WE'RE BACK AND WE'RE BETTER THAN EVER!
With six PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Runs under our belt, we're back and ready to make the seventh run even bigger! In this issue of Science In Motion, we'll learn about the 'Passport to Science' program, and follow up with Stephanie Chong, an ambitious young scientist of the future!
Also in this issue:
We'll reveal how high school students can win $5000 by sharing their knowledge in biotechnology by entering the Biotech Essay Contest, which is open to all high school students across Canada. Our feature interview with Leonard Foster, Assistant Professor in Biochemistry at UBC, and Science Fair Alumni, will shed some light on the many benefits of participating in Science Fairs.
PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run
Sunday, May 28, 2006
On Sunday, May 28th, TELUS World of Science will be the site of the seventh annual PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run. Deemed the largest timed 5K run in BC and one of the largest events in the technology industry, the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run is supported by Vancouver’s leading companies and institutions including representatives from the high-tech, biotech, financial, and legal community, as well as local universities and schools. All proceeds from the event go toward The Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment to support the promotion and development of science fair programs throughout the province.
“The money raised by the run helps BC youth to explore their interests in science and technology through science fair programs,” says Patti Leigh, Executive Director of the Science Fair Foundation of BC. “Each year, over 60,000 students from 800 schools in British Columbia participate in Science Fairs. Science Fairs ensure our young people have the skills they need to succeed in a fast-paced, knowledge-based world.”
All registered run participants are eligible for prizes and receive free admission to TELUS World of Science for the day of the race. Families can meet student science fair participants and review exhibits of science fair projects. There will also be other fun activities and prizes from run sponsors.
PMC-Sierra, a local high-tech company, has been the Fun Run’s title sponsor since it began in 2000. “PMC is pleased to support an event that provides opportunities for BC students to explore their educational interests in science. By sponsoring the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run, we hope to encourage future generations to pursue careers in science and technology,” says Steve Cadigan, Vice President, Human Resources at PMC-Sierra.
Each year, PMC-Sierra’s corporate team enjoys a day in celebration of science, fitness and fun. The company encourages other corporations, especially those involved in the high-tech and scientific community to do the same and enter a corporate team in support of BC science fair programs. The run is a great opportunity for friends, family and co-workers to come together as a team and raise funds for the future of science and technology in the province.
For more information about the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run or to register online, visit www.ScienceFairs.bc.ca .
Vancouver elementary schools get their 'Passport to Science' - Science project interest continues to grow in Vancouver!
Two days of fun and learning are planned on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5 for Vancouver School Board elementary students. The public is encouraged to join in the fun! Students will come with science fair projects and displays. We expect that, like last year, visitors and participants will learn a lot and have a great time. The students will put a sticker on a “Passport To Science” that each interested visitor will receive. They will share their learning and discoveries with the public and with each other. Participants have opportunities to explore Science World as well. Displays will be up from opening to 1:30 on each day. Independent project work encourages students to learn and apply the processes and skills of science. Last year over 300 students participated!
Contributed by: Len Reimer, Vancouver School Board
Stephanie Chong
A Young Scientist of the Future
Alumni – Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair 2005-2006 – Queens University Student, 2nd Year
Through its outreach initiatives, Science World plays an essential role inthe organization and implementation of Science Fairs in BC. In turn, we play an essential role in the lives of the participants, like QueensUniversity student, Stephanie Chong. “I competed in my first Regional Science Fair in Grade 8 and the experience got me hooked!
A Great Science Experiment
Party TriX: 2 activities for a PHYSICAL party!
Check out these two great experiments from www.cramscience.ca and impress your friends at your next party!
1. Candy Catch
Goal - To get a jujube into a glass without touching the jujube with your hands.
2. Penny for your thoughts
Goal - To pick up the water covered pennies without getting your hands wet.
For full instructions on these cramscience experiments, click here.
Gowlings Biotech Essay Contest
Write an original essay of up to 1,500 words on the topic of “The Benefits of Biotechnology to Canada” and you could win a bursary of up to $5000 for the first year of tuition costs at a Canadian post-secondary institution. Contest closes March 31, 2006. Contest is open to all Canadian high-school students who plan on starting their first year at a Canadian post-secondary institution in a life sciences-related field of study in the 2006 academic year, except those residing with employees of Gowlings, and the contest judges.
One prize will be awarded to the author of the winning essay and will include first year tuition in a life sciences-related field up to a maximum of $5,000. The prize will also include an invitation from the Biotechnology Human Resource Council (BHRC) to attend their Introduction to Biotechnology two-day workshop.
Submit Essays to:
Gowlings Essay Contest
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
50 Queen Street North, Suite 1020
Kitchener ON, N2H 6M2.
For more information on this contest, click here
All content from Gowlings.com
Science Fair Alumni Interview - Leonard Foster, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry at the 
University of British Columbia
Leonard Foster, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the University of British Columbia and Science Fair Alumni talks about the confidence and overall benefits he gained by participating in Science Fairs while growing up.
Read the whole interview
Fun for the whole family
Spring Break Camps for Kids: Shark Smarts & Whale Wonders
Dive in and learn about two of the oceans’ top predators – whales and sharks! Explore the similarities and differences between these amazing animals through hands-on activities, games, crafts and more.
Grades 1-2: Monday March 13 & Tuesday March 14
Grades 3-5: Thursday March 16 & Friday March 17
To learn more visit us at:
http://www.vanaqua.org/visit_us/kids_camps.html
Our Vanishing Sky
An exciting new program at the Space Centre, explores the question: What in the world is light pollution and what is it doing to our planet?
To learn more visit us at www.spacecentre.ca.
Mini Fun Run For Little Ones A Family Affair!
The Mini Fun Run for Little Ones (less than 1K) race course winds through Creekside Park. The Mini Run takes place at the same time as the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run on Sunday, May 28, 2006. A timing chip is not required for the Mini Run and race t-shirts are optional. The entry fee is $5 and, if desired, a race t-shirt (size 6X) can be purchased for $8.
All Mini Fun participants must have an accompanying adult to run with them. Mini runners meet at the start line immediately following the start of the 5K Run. The route is marked with balloons and each runner will receive a participant ribbon when they cross the finish line. Plus, all participants have free entry to Science World following the event!
Come and join the fun with your young runners!
To learn more visit us at www.sciencefairs.bc.ca/fun_run_2006/
We are interested in receiving your contributions and ideas for items you'd like to hear about and/or share with BC's science and technology community. Please contact our editor, Angela Kietaibl at Angela_Kietaibl@pmc-sierra.com with your news and views. If you have friends or colleagues you know would like to subscribe to our newsletter, please e-mail scifair@scienceworld.bc.ca with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.
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For more information about the
Science Fair FoundationBC
visit www.ScienceFairs.bc.ca
Science in Motion is published bi-monthly
© Copyright Science Fair FoundationBC 2006