Science Odyssey events at Laurier invite public to engage with science

April 18, 2019
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University is inviting people of all ages to have fun with science and technology through a range of free public events during Science Odyssey. On Saturday, May 4, Laurier’s Waterloo campus will host a full day of family-friendly, hands-on science activities. Four adult-oriented public lectures will take place later the same week in Brantford, Waterloo and Milton.

Science Odyssey is a 10-day national celebration of discovery and innovation that engages and inspires Canadians of all ages with activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Laurier is participating in Science Odyssey for the first time this year.

“Laurier scientists work hard year-round on research that is having a real impact. We share this knowledge and understanding with our own students on a regular basis,” said Kenneth Maly, acting dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Science. “We’re excited to share some of what we do with the broader community. During Science Odyssey, we’re inviting the public to check out what we do and to learn and have fun.”

May 4 events on Laurier’s Waterloo campus will include pre-registered and drop-in activities. Full details can be found on the Science Odyssey webpage. Highlights include:

• Chances to meet Sara and Rita, Canada’s first full-sized synthetic cadavers that look and feel real.
• Testing foam planes with different wing shapes to learn about aerodynamics.
• Learning about great women scientists through paintings and accompanying demonstration stations.
• Building simple water filters to learn about water treatment methods.
• Teen workshops to explore aquatic ecosystems and invertebrates.
• Tours of the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Centre for Cold Regions and Water Science.

Most activities on May 4 will run between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and are based in the Science Building Atrium, near King Street North and Bricker Avenue, Waterloo.

Laurier is also hosting four evening public lectures, some in partnership with the Brantford Public Library, Town of Milton and Milton Public Library. These are:

• Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m., 45 Lodge St., Waterloo – Scott Smith: “Waste Not, Want Not: Rethinking Wastewater Treatment.”
• Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m., Brantford Public Library ­– Josephine McMurray: “The Smart Silver Economy: Aging meets Digital.”
• Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 p.m., Brantford Public Library – Bruce McKay: “Cannabis Legalization.”
• Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m., First Ontario Arts Centre, Milton – Jennifer Baltzer: “The Changing Face of Canada's Boreal Forests.”

For a full schedule, activity descriptions, registration and parking information, see wlu.ca/science.

About Science Odyssey

Led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Science Odyssey brings together hundreds of fun and engaging activities across the country from Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 19, 2019. Events range from science in the streets, visits to labs, science fairs, talks and conferences, school field trips, encounters with scientists and engineers, special exhibits at museums and science centres, scientific events at community organizations, online activities and much more. Consult the full list of Science Odyssey activities.

About Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University excels at educating with purpose. Laurier’s holistic approach to learning integrates innovative programming with hands-on experience outside the classroom to ensure Laurier graduates are not only ready for the real world but are inspired to leave their mark on the world. Community is at the heart of all we do. Laurier inspires students to engage in campus life and the broader community, leading to high levels of student satisfaction and engaged alumni who carry the Laurier legacy throughout the world. As a community of researchers, leaders and educators, Laurier builds knowledge that serves society and creates connections that have a lasting impact.

Learn more about Laurier’s 19,000+ students in nine faculties and federated university college throughout Waterloo, Brantford, Kitchener and Toronto at wlu.ca. ​