4 UNBC Life

roto

PLEO ILOILO LILO OIL,

INUKSHUK...
"YOU ARE ON
THE RIGHT
PATH”

Kelley Ware
Multimedia Coordinator

ith the nation at our door, UNBC

found an interesting way to showcase
the research going on at our university.
The UNBC Discovery Centre was a series of
booths and activities held from February 16
to February 27. The purpose of this event
was to provide an opportunity for parents,
youth, coaches, and visitors to learn about
UNBC’s academic offerings during the Canada
Winter Games. They did this by showcasing
UNBC research through hands-on, interactive
activities for all ages.

Points of exploration were mainly centred

on science-based academics at UNBC, but it
also included booths on accessibility, mental

health, and green activities. There were

also First Nations presence through art and
UNBC’s foundational history. Departments
that had learning activities included Natural

Resources and Environmental Science,
Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Math and

Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science.

Robots, crystal snowflakes, magnets, and
anatomy displays graced the main floor
of the library. Special events had minds,
both young and old, watching a Wood
Physics Magic Show, smashing dry ice,
and playing with MakerLab 3D printers. It

made science and research approachable
to everyone who attended. Everyone was
engaged with something. Children sat in
awe as science tricks were done in front
of them. At a tactile sensory booth, Over
the Edge was able to correctly guess what
we were feeling in a box that prevented
us from seeing it. It was a foam Darth
Vader, for those who were wondering.

It was also an opportunity for the students of
UNBC to shine. Coordinator Brooke Boswell
told Over the Edge that everyone involved in
the running of the UNBC Discovery Centre
were volunteers. Their effort was also well
rewarded. Even on the first day the Discovery

Centre was running, Boswell expressed
surprise in just how many people attended.
It was not simply residents of Prince George
either; the sign-in sheet at the information
table revealed guests from all over the
country. MakerLab Coordinator Kathleen
Angelski also expressed delight in how many
people attended, especially considering how
many Canada Winter Games events the UNBC
Discovery Centre had to compete with.

Only time will tell if the Discovery Centre
will lead to future scholars coming to UNBC.
What is obvious, though, is that everyone
who attended enjoyed themselves, and

they most definitely learned something.

Kelley Ware | OTE