Terry Fox secondary school in Port Coquitlam is throwing open its doors to the public Feb. 2 to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday with a giant science exhibit, displays, presentations and hands-on activities.
But if you think the Perimeter Institute's Power of Ideas Tour stop is just an opportunity to get your geek on, think again.
The Power of Ideas tour has something for everybody, says physics teacher Edward Csuka, who has spent the last nine months organizing the event.
"I wanted to get everybody involved," says Csuka, "I wanted it to be awesome. I wanted it to be the best science event the Tri-Cities has ever seen."
By the looks of it, he might not be far off the mark.
Even a diverse group of students whose interests range from hockey to art to robotics believe the event will have great appeal to anyone who is curious about how things work.
"It's going to show the variety of ideas that are out there and shows how bright minds want to make things better," said Nick Rakic, who built a rocket that fires hockey pucks to demonstrate force and motion for Csuka's physics class.
The students say they are also excited about showcasing the talents of Terry Fox students, many of whom will be performing or volunteering.
Csuka said Fox was tapped by the Perimeter Institute to host the Power of Ideas Tour for one of only three stops in the Lower Mainland because he is an alumni of a summer workshop at the institute for theoretical physics.
The Power of Ideas exhibition will provide youth and families with a hands-on approach to learning about science. There will also be an inspiring talk about Canada's scientific innovations and visitors can try out cutting edge technology to create their own inventions.
Fox student Ali Javaherzadeh wants to use the 3D printer to create a model of an artificial heart he designed while Ahmet Gurses is looking forward to having a theoretical physicist answer a question he submitted for a contest.
"It's important for all of us to learn about science, otherwise we take all of these things for granted," Gurses said.
In addition to the exhibit hosted by the Perimeter Institute, there will be a career corridor, with displays by local technology companies; as well, UBC Triumf lab will have particle Twister; Douglas College will have a Stinks and Bangs presentation; SFU will feature a levitating train; the Vancouver Aquarium will have the Aquavan on site; and Science World will have hands-on activities.
Other activities running from 4 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 2 include:
• science-themed music by student performers, student art work;
• chess teacher Dejan Radic playing 10 people at the same time during the chess challenge;
• free science movies;
• a costume contest with a $100 prize;
• Author's Alley, featuring science writers;
• Demo Domain and Robot Rumble;
• and food trucks.
For more information about this free event, to help publicize it or to get a poster, contact Edward Csuka at ecsuka@sd43.bc.ca.com or visit csukainnovation.com
