This past Saturday, the University of Waterloo Science buildings were filled with laughter, smiles, and exclamations of discovery, as local families gathered for a day of curiosity-driven exploration and experimentation at the annual Science Open House and Gem and Mineral Show.
As always, the two Chemistry Magic Shows drew big crowds, each time filling the 450-person lecture hall in STC. This year’s show was based on elements and the periodic table to fit in with the Timeline of Elements mural unveiling, which took place during Science Open House.
The unveiling of the Timeline of Elements interactive mural - a featured event at this year's Science Open House - took place later that afternoon. Chem 13 News, the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Science worked together to create the new international exhibit and educational website as part of the United Nations' 2019 International Year of the Periodic Table initiative.
The impressive 16-meter long version of the Timeline, located in the basement STC, includes artwork from students from 118 schools in 28 different countries, depicting each element and its discovery by decade. Added to that is a mosaic of Dmitri Mendeleev, made up of tiny portraits of Mendeleev created by students worldwide, alongside interactive exhibit panels showcasing the discovery tools and methods of some of the elements.
Hundreds attended the opening, which featured Timeline swag, cookies spelling out "U-W Sc-I 20-19" in element symbols, and speeches by the Department Chair Bill Power, Dean of Science Bob Lemieux, Science Museum Coordinator Corina McDonald, as well as Tina Kalopisis from 3M Canada, who sponsored the installation of the mural.
"The Science Open House and the Timeline of the Elements exhibit both celebrate the spirit of discovery that we encourage here in the Faculty of Science,” says Corina McDonald, Museum Curator for Waterloo’s Faculty of Science. “The stories of discovery of the elements are fascinating, and have been depicted in such creative ways in the exhibit! It’s a beautiful learning resource, which we hope to share with not only our students, but the broader community as well."
Read more about the unveiling event in The Record.
Thank you to all the community members who attended the Science Open House and the unveiling celebration!