Science Literacy Week – Sept. 18 to 24 – is a nationwide back-to-school celebration of books, organizations and activities that explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) topics. It is an opportunity to expose Canadians to the wide range of science literature available at libraries, stores, museums and science centres. In 2016, over 140 partners nationwide created over 500 events in 60 cities coast to coast.
On the Sunshine Coast you can participate in Science Literacy Week by visiting the Sechelt or Gibsons Public Library to browse magazines, borrow science related books and explore STEM topics. Knowledgeable staff will recommend lists of science books, websites and writers.
The EarthFair store in Madeira Park will host a tent and table featuring science-themed nature guides, encouraging locals to exercise their mind and tap into the wealth of Canadian science literature available.
Other activities for Science Literacy Week include a hands-on marine invertebrate and forage fish study on Thormanby Island with Lagoon Society biologists and Simon Hocking’s Grade 5 class from the Davis Bay NEST program. Students will measure, sample, fill out fast field forms and use tech instruments, practising their STEM science skills. Other planned activities include a “live dive” by professional scuba divers.
Contact Lee-Ann Ennis at 604-883-9006 for more information.
Science Literacy Week is sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
– Submitted by Lee-Ann Ennis
