Ever wonder how blood gets up to a giraffe’s head, how squishy earthworms manage to dig in hard ground or how much stronger the hyena’s bite is than a human’s? From now until May 7, the University of Waterloo is partnering with the Ontario Science Centre to give visitors a hands-on look at the science behind these and many other marvels of natural engineering that drive human and animal movement.
Visitors can explore a new exhibit from the Field Museum in Chicago called Biomechanics: The Machine Inside and take part in real University of Waterloo research being conducted by the Department of Kinesiology (check schedule for specific ResearchLive! dates).
James Rush, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (far right) poses with members of the Kinesiology research team and Ontario Science Centre staff at the launch of Biomechanics: The Machine Inside on February 8, 2017.
Throughout the duration of the exhibit, the department will also host mini-lectures in the Centre’s Hot Zone and a range of other family-friendly activities. Children can learn about the brain wearing their own brain hats, dress up as scientists and pose for pictures in a photo booth, or try controlling a model car remotely with only their arm muscles. A full list of activities and the dates they are offered is available on the Kinesiology website.
A visitor to the Science Centre tries controlling a model excavator using only his arm muscles, while researcher Michael Barnett-Cowan (right) looks on.
Alumni are invited to a special family event on April 22 for a day of science-based activities and a private lunch. Register early as space is limited.
“We are committed to improving quality of life for individuals, communities and populations through innovative research, including applied biomechanics and other movement sciences,” said James Rush, dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. “This partnership with the Ontario Science Centre allows us to share our own research with visitors and inspire the next generation of research scientists to effect positive change in the world.”
If you can’t make it on April 22 for the special alumni event, enjoy the 20 per cent admission discount available for all Waterloo alumni. To purchase tickets in advance call 1-888-696-1110 and use the code 10510.
