Outstanding Canadian Innovators and Scientists

By Sandra C | Published: October 21, 2010

Four remarkable scientists join the 44 forty-four scientists and innovators who have been inducted into the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are Dr. George C. Laurence (1905-1987), Dr. Henry Norman Bethune (1890-1939), and the team of Dr. James Till (1931- ) and Dr. Ernest McCulloch (1926- ).

The Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame honours individuals whose outstanding scientific or technological achievements have made a significant contribution to Canadian society.

Since its creation in 1991, the Hall of Fame has been known for the high calibre of its membership, and has served as a reminder to all young Canadians of the possibility of conducting exceptional scientific and engineering research in this country.

The induction ceremony was planned during National Science and Technology Week to highlight the importance of science and technology in today’s world, and Canada’s ongoing role as a world leader in innovation.

Posted in Reflections |

Quebec City Geology Field Trip

By TechnoErin | Published: October 21, 2010

I noticed on the NSTW Google Map Parks Canada hosted a field trip for teachers in Quebec City on October 8th.  Participants got to learn about the city from a geological, archeological and historical perspective.  This must have been a fascinating experience for the teachers involved.

Quebec is such a scenic city – I was there a couple of years ago, and was really taken aback by its beauty and architecture.  I felt like I was stepping back in time when I entered the fortified city.  I’d love to go back soon … and really love the be able to participate in something like this event.

Also posted in Events |

Archeological and geological expedition to Old Quebec City

By Catherine | Published: October 21, 2010

Darn! I missed the excursion to Old Quebec City. It really looked interesting.

The archeologists have done a superb job of presenting and interpreting the ruins of Champlain’s fort. I visited the ruins during the 400th anniversary of the city two years ago. Considering that the first Europeans thought they’d found diamonds and gold in Quebec City, it was a very good idea to group these subjects together. Does anyone know whether there’s going to be a workshop offered later?

Also posted in Events |

NSTW Talks

By Catherine | Published: October 20, 2010

I attended a number of talks over the past few days on green architecture, control of personal information online, environmentally friendly cars and the discovery of artefacts in the recesses of laboratories. It’s fascinating. I really appreciated the fact that professionals from various industries came to present their research and passions to students. I saw sparks in the eyes of a number of students who were inspired by the subjects addressed.

Also posted in Events |

Echoes in the Ice, and thoughts on “Science vs. History”

By TechnoErin | Published: October 18, 2010

I was at the opening of NSTW this past Friday at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.  It was really interesting to wander through Echoes in the Ice: History, Mystery, and Frozen Corpses. This striking exhibition, examining Arctic exploration past and present, explores the mysteries of the lost Franklin Expedition of 1845.  As I roamed the exhibition, I thought (as I often do) about the interplay of science and history.

Talking to a science teacher about the Franklin Expedition, he commented that forensics are what got him interested in history – making him realize that science and history are not mutually exclusive.  I think it’s too bad that some people see “the sciences” and “the arts” as a dichotomy – left brain vs. right brain.  Scientists need to be creative and visionary, and historians need facts to pin their idea structures to.

Or do they…  Am I thinking too much like a structuralist?  Feedback welcome!

Also posted in Events |

Off to a great start…

By Sandra C | Published: October 16, 2010

I have just come an event at the Canada Science and Technology Museum and to mark the beginning of NSTW.  From the diversity of groups involved I can see that great science and technology experiences depend on the collaboration and contributions of many.

This year our new Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston was asked to officially launch NSTW.  He spoke of the collaboration of  “John, Marty and Fred”.  Johannes Guttenberg (“John”) invented a printing press with movable letters, Martin Luther (“Marty”) translated the bible into Gernan and Elector Frederick III of Saxony (“Fred”) who offered him safety while he did this.

The spirit of collaboration and what can be achieved by technological advances, social savvy and those who foster an atmosphere or incubator where this is possible can change the world – did change the world.

David Johnston’s words about science and technology week were inspiring, his passion for this was quite evident.  I believe Canada’s science culture has a new champion.

Posted in Reflections |

Teachers make a difference

By Sandra C | Published: October 15, 2010

Do you love science and technology?  Do you see this everywhere, from the barcodes on everything we buy, to that fabulous fabric that does not wrinkle or the new hybrid vehicles on the road?  Chances are if you have a curious mind and see these things a teacher made a positive difference in your life.  Recently we celebrated world teacher day and during NSTW why don’t we take time to thank those inspiring and passionate science and technology teachers we know – and pay this forward by sharing our interest with others.

Science and technology plays a crucial role in education, mainly because science and technology is our understanding the world around us. In order to preserve this knowledge, we teach it to our children, and they, in turn, use this knowledge as they grow and experience the world around them.

NSTW aims to connect youth with scientists and experts of various fields in order to show them the limitless possibilities that science and technology can offer them.

(oh, and while you’re thanking that teacher consider nominating him or her for the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, find out more at the link below)

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmate-ppmee.nsf/eng/Home

Posted in Reflections |