Thursday, July 23, 2015

Science Outreach ignites curiosity at Discovery Square

This is the latest in a series of #UWCommunity stories that feature Waterloo in the community.

From digging for fossil fish to creating an instant cloud in a bottle, children have been channeling their inner scientist as they explore a variety of hands-on science activities at Discovery Square.

Each Tuesday night in July, the University of Waterloo’s Science Outreach Team takes part in this children's event held at Kitchener City Hall’s Carl Zehr Square, celebrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Engaging activities such as electrifying Van de Graaff demonstrations, snow rocks and gold panning help children learn about basic science concepts in a fun and interactive way.

“Events like these allow us to continue bringing science discovery to the next generation of scientists outside of our usual school visits program,” says Ally Jewell, Interim Science Outreach Coordinator.

Currently in its third year, the partnership between the City of Kitchener and the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science aims to inspire future innovators through a variety of intriguing activities. Early educational experiences in STEAM are shaping today’s children and youth into the leaders of tomorrow.

“Discovery Square encourages children and their families to spend time together, engage with their community and explore the world around them,” says Natasha Stoyakovich, Kitchener Events Coordinator. “Together with the University of Waterloo, we are able to provide unique activations that spark imaginations and interest in understanding how our world works.

The Faculty of Science Outreach volunteers focus on delivering educational and engaging science activities to local children of all ages. In collaboration with Let’s Talk Science, a national charitable organization, Science Outreach delivers a variety of innovative activities to the local youth.

Read the rest of the article on the Community Relations and Events blog.

Startups pitch for $125,000 in prizes

Ten of Waterloo Region’s most progressive startups will pitch for one of four $25,000 prizes at the Velocity Fund Finals today.

Judges will present one winner with an additional $10,000 for the top hardware pitch. Another 10 startups will compete for one of three $5,000 awards.

 “The Velocity Fund event is always an indicator of trends in the startup world,” said Mike Kirkup, Director of Velocity, a comprehensive entrepreneurship ecosystem program at the University of Waterloo. “This year, while we have continued interest in hardware, nanotechnology and science startups, we are now seeing a return to software that will impact healthcare, enterprise systems, security and more.”

The competition, which is held three times a year, showcases some of the most innovative local software and hardware companies.

Judging the Velocity Fund $25K will be Karamdeep Nijjar, JS Cournoyer, Mike Stork, and Ted Livingston, while the $5K judges are Wayne Chang, Steve McCartney, and Andrew Jackson.

The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre's Great Hall.

University Avenue ION construction begins Monday

University Avenue is the next scheduled stop on the ION construction train.

Beginning on or about Monday, July 27, University Avenue will be closed from Phillip Street to the ring road and Seagram Drive as crews move the heavy-gauge tracks and replace them with two light rail lines.

From Monday to Friday for approximately three weeks, one lane will be open for traffic heading eastbound towards Highway 85. On the weekend, the road will be completely closed as crews will be working throughout the night.

The work will also require closures of the Laurel Trail between University Avenue and Seagram Drive.

The ION website has full construction update details. Check the ION-related travel disruption site on our homepage for updates.