Rattlesnake, Stock Car and Cosmic Ray Projects Among 58 Initiatives Sharing Nearly $4 Million for Science Promotion
Ottawa, Ontario, April 8, 2004 – NSERC today announced $3,970,000 in new grants for 58 Canadian groups creating imaginative science programming for young people.
“Science and engineering are key to building a 21st century economy. By interesting kids in science, these organizations are making an important contribution to ensuring Canada is a more innovative and science-friendly nation,” said Lucienne Robillard, Minister of Industry, Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister responsible for NSERC, which makes the awards through its annual PromoScience competition.
“Fun activities are key to getting our children engaged in learning about science,” said Dr. Tom Brzustowski, President of NSERC. “The organizations receiving these awards were all chosen for their great experience in making science and engineering relevant to young people.”
Examples of the new awards follow. For longer descriptions of all projects, visit the PromoScience Web site at http://www.nserc.gc.ca/promoscience/recipients_e.htm.
Livewire: Living with rattlesnakes. The Osoyoos Indian Band has developed a method through which elementary and high school students can safely study rattlesnakes. With the help of radio transmitters, each student will have the opportunity to track snakes at the Nk'Mip Desert & Heritage Centre. They will also learn how blood samples and DNA evidence of these snakes will help to show the size and diversity of local populations.
Trousses pédagogiques pour le projet l’École en Course. L’École en Course enables elementary and high school students to build a stock car with the help of a university student. Once built, the vehicles will be put through their paces in a friendly inter-school race. Université Laval’s Department of Mechanical Engineering will develop educational packages to help students understand principles of physics that are key to the project.
ICARUS (Internet-based cosmic-ray array using schools). The University of Alberta’s Centre for Subatomic Research will install detector systems in schools to involve students in the study of the nature and origin of high energy cosmic rays. High school students, teachers and researchers will be linked to form an Internet-based research and education network. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to international conferences in the field.
Exposition et sensibilisation sur les mammifères marins. The Aquarium des Îles-de-la-Madeleine will develop a scientific exhibit about the biology of marine mammals living in the St. Lawrence River. Young Canadians and visitors from all over the world will be able to learn more about the biology, ecology and behaviour of whales.
The NSERC PromoScience program helps organizations that give young Canadians opportunities to increase their knowledge of science and engineering, and encourages them to consider careers in science and technology. There is one annual competition, with applications due in mid-September.
Since the creation of the program, 192 projects have benefited from PromoScience funding.
NSERC, now also known as Science and Engineering Research Canada, is a key federal agency investing in people, discovery, and innovation. It supports both basic university research through research grants, and project research through partnerships among postsecondary institutions, government and the private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.
For more information, please contact:
Judy Paron
Program Officer
Scholarships and Fellowships Division
NSERC
Tel.: (613) 996-1417
E-mail: judy.paron@nserc.ca
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