Langley, B.C. – Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Langley campus was transformed into a spectacular science experience this past weekend for the 2014 Science Rendezvous. Over 750 community participants – primarily families – came to the free event to check out exciting demonstrations, explosive experiments and a multitude of other hands-on activities.
KPU’s showcase featured cockroach races, computer science mini-workshops, water science activities, glow germs and edible lawn weeds. Community members also took a special interest in the science magic show, slime-making, seed bombs and marine organism show and tell activities.
“Scores of volunteers and hundreds of visitors made KPU’s second Science Rendezvous a resounding success,” said Betty Worobec, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and academic lead organizer of the event. “The crowds exceeded our expectations and our Langley campus was buzzing with great enthusiasm for the discovery of science in our everyday lives. I am so proud of all the faculty, staff and student volunteers that shared their joy of science with the public, and I thank our KPU community and members of the Langley community for joining us for a day of fun.”
New this year were booths from Science World, the Langley Environmental Partners Society, the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology, and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.
The event also provided attendants the opportunity to talk to KPU instructors and find out more about the programs KPU Langley has to offer.
Science Rendezvous began as a joint program between several Ontario universities in 2008. It has since grown into a national event, reaching over 30,000 people across Canada, and promoting direct community involvement and enthusiasm for sciences.
The event takes science to the streets in a highly interactive public program of events, all of which are intended to ignite in people of all ages a passion for science. For more information about KPU’s Science Rendezvous, visit: kpu.ca/sciencerendezvous. More information about the Canada-wide event is available here.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: Plant Health instructor Cameron Lait prepares cockroach racing in KPU's Bug Lab for some curious onlookers at the 2014 Science Rendezvous.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
Triona King
Communications and Event Specialist
Faculty of Science
t: 604.599.2048
triona.king@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom