Faculty of Science - Science Outreach News /science/channels_item/51 en Unleashing Creativity at the VRƵ Physics Hackathon /science/node/990414 <p>On November 15<sup>th</sup> – 17<sup>th</sup>, the Trottier Space Institute and the Department of Physics hosted its 9<sup>th</sup> <a href="https://www.hackathon.physics.mcgill.ca/">Annual VRƵ Physics Hackathon</a>. This friendly coding competition brought together 163 people, from grade 10 high school students to graduate students. Participants had a total of 24 hours over the span of 3 days to create computing and physical science projects in teams. <a href="https://www.hackathon.physics.mcgill.ca/">Learn more here</a>.</p> Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:01:01 +0000 VRƵ Celebrating 10 years of Chemistry Outreach! /science/node/989936 <p>Congratulations to the Chemistry Outreach group, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary during <a href="/openhouse/">VRƵ’s Open House</a> on <b>October 27<sup>th</sup></b>! Over 250 people joined the festivities and enjoyed hands-on activities, magnificent demos, and chemistry-themed refreshments throughout the day.</p> Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:54:50 +0000 VRƵ Family Science Day: VRƵ’s Family Friendly Foray into Science /science/node/989792 <h4><strong>by Phuong Hoang, Faculty of Science Communications Associate</strong></h4> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:14:40 +0000 VRƵ A Resounding Success: Celebrating VRƵ’s Biodiversity Festival /science/node/989711 <h2>The Biodiversity Festival</h2> Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:32:07 +0000 VRƵ Mark your calendars! Family Science Day: September 28th /science/node/989332 <p><b>On September 28<sup>th</sup> between 9 am and 4 pm</b>, join VRƵ’s Office of Science Outreach, STEMM Diversity @ VRƵ, the Trottier Space Institute and VRƵ Physics Outreach, for free science activities for families. Activities will be held both indoors and outdoors at the downtown campus and are intended for children ages 6 and up.</p> <p>Registration is required for some activities.</p> <p>For more details and the full schedule, <a href="/science/outreach/upcoming-events">visit this link</a>.</p> Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:46:09 +0000 VRƵ VRƵ’s Computer Science Camp inspires next generation of coders /science/node/989136 <p>After a hiatus of about a decade, the <a href="https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~summcamp/english/Home.html">VRƵ Computer Science Summer Camp</a> once again welcomed students from Montreal high schools and CEGEPs to the downtown campus this summer. The camp was a group effort organized by students, staff and faculty across the computer science community. Students participated in four packed days of talks, hands-on activities and coding sessions, to learn about computer science.</p> Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:33:25 +0000 VRƵ Frederic Bertley receives honorary doctorate degree for his astounding work in science education /science/node/989064 <p>Frederic Bertley was amongst a group of leaders to receive an honorary degree from VRƵ this spring. For the past eight years, Bertley has served as the President and CEO of the <a href="https://cosi.org/">Center of Science and Industry</a> (COSI), which features the largest science outreach program in North America.</p> Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:45:38 +0000 VRƵ Science fair fun in Kahnawà:ke /science/node/988238 <p>Every year in Kahnawà:ke, a Kanien:keha’ka community on Montreal’s South Shore, students present their projects at a science fair organized by the Kahnawà:ke Education Center (KEC).</p> <p>For more than 15 years, KEC Science Curriculum Consultant Kathy Walsh has supported students at schools across the community as they prepare projects in the weeks leading up to the annual fair. This year, she and KEC Science Projects Liaison Mya Bordeau enlisted the assistance of VRƵ’s Office of Science Outreach to bring VRƵ students into the classroom as mentors.</p> Wed, 22 May 2024 14:46:37 +0000 VRƵ Inspiring the next generation of scientists: Future Innovators Science Fair /science/node/988026 <p>On March 2<span>7th</span>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/realventuresvc/">Real Ventures</a>, VRƵ's <a href="/chemistry/outreach">Chemistry Outreach Group</a> joined other STEM experts and educators for the Future Innovators Science Fair at the Royal Charles Elementary School for International Women’s Month.</p> Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:05:19 +0000 VRƵ Celebrating all of our science outreach volunteers /science/node/987928 <h2>National Volunteer Week: April 14-20, 2024</h2> <p>The theme for this year's <a href="https://volunteer.ca/index.php?MenuItemID=482&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3uzS4OjEhQMVTVJHAR1mOQlBEAAYASAAEgKfe_D_BwE">National Volunteer Week</a> is <em>Every Moment Matters</em>. It highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and wellbeing of our communities. </p> Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:20:53 +0000 VRƵ Thousands flock to VRƵ to take in solar eclipse /science/node/987887 <p>On Monday April 8th, thousands of people flocked to VRƵ's downtown and MacDonald campuses, as well as Gault Nature Reserve, to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event: the total solar eclipse. The three spectacular events not only included a viewing party with free glasses, but also educational activities to inform the public on this astronomical phenomenon. Read the Reporter article on <a href="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/thousands-throng-to-mcgill-to-take-in-solar-eclipse/">the eclipse festivities</a> to learn more.</p> Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:48:45 +0000 VRƵ Support science for everyone on March 13! /science/node/986836 <p>One element that makes <strong><a href="https://giving.mcgill.ca/ways-give/more-ways-give/mcgill24">VRƵ24</a></strong> so special is the energy that our students bring to the event. They use this day to raise funds for student-run projects and initiatives, and this year the Faculty of Science has the largest ever number of <a href="https://crowdfunding.mcgill.ca/ui/main/active-fundraisers">crowdfunding projects</a>.</p> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:58:19 +0000 VRƵ Highlighting women in STEM to engage youth /science/node/976933 <p>“<a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Les-STIM-au-f%C3%A9minin/61552681381803/">Les STIM au féminin</a>” is a new campaign geared towards high school and cegep-level youth which highlights the initiatives of women in STEM and raises awareness about pathways and careers in science through a series of informative videos.</p> Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:31:59 +0000 VRƵ The Hackathon returns to VRƵ campus /science/node/969573 <p>On November 3-5<sup>th</sup>, the VRƵ Physics Hackathon held its eighth annual event in person at the Rutherford Physics Building. The event attracted around 150 hackers, from CEGEP and undergraduate backgrounds, who joined forces to produce <a href="https://mcgill-physics-hackathon-2023.devpost.com/project-gallery">spectacular projects</a>.</p> <p>Congratulations to all those who participated!</p> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:17:31 +0000 VRƵ With community outreach, science is for everyone /science/node/967764 <p>The latest article by Made by VRƵ explores the mission, diversity, and impact of VRƵ’s many science outreach initiatives. The collective efforts of outreach groups and departments not only expand the scope of the University itself, but also engage members of the public with accessible science. This fosters a sense of curiosity and opens a new world of possibilities to all.</p> <p>Learn more about these <a href="https://giving.mcgill.ca/all-stories/community-outreach-science-everyone?lang=en">science outreach initiatives</a>.</p> Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:01:14 +0000 VRƵ Travelling seeds: a free lesson plan for schools /science/node/963998 <p>To celebrate <a href="https://www.scienceliteracy.ca/">Science Literacy Week</a>, the Office of Science Outreach released a free lesson plan for elementary school teachers. The lesson, titled <b>“Travelling seeds”</b> explores how seeds are dispersed. The activities and discussions center inquiry-based learning, to encourage nature discovery through hands-on experiences and observations.</p> <p>The lesson was shared with science consultants across English and French school boards in the Greater Montreal area and has already received over 40 downloads.</p> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:50:49 +0000 VRƵ Celebrating Science Literacy Week for the 9th year /science/node/962742 <p>On September 23rd, the Office of Science Outreach, STEMM Diversity @ VRƵ and TSI Outreach hosted interactive family workshops for Science Literacy Week. Over 150 people participated, learning about tree growth, the diversity of science and scientists, the survival of extremophiles and more!</p> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:16:35 +0000 VRƵ An Inspiring Event in Science Engagement /science/node/953467 <p>May 15<sup>th</sup> and 16<sup>th</sup>, <a href="/research/about/engage-hub-canada">Falling Walls Engage Hub Canada</a> hosted 30 science outreach practitioners, from across the country, for a bilingual event titled “The Power of the Pitch: A Funding and Skills-building Workshop for Canadian Science Engagers”.</p> <p>In a series of workshops, participants learned first-hand from funders what they are looking for in successful proposals and created quick pitches for new science engagement projects.</p> Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:38:46 +0000 VRƵ Exploring Space and Science in Chisasibi /science/node/953418 <p>The outreach branch of VRƵ’s <a href="https://msi.mcgill.ca/">Trottier Space Institute</a> and <a href="/branches/">Branches</a> joined forces to offer a new science program called <a href="/branches/programs/explore-mcgill">Outbound Explore</a>. The groups collaborated with the Cree community of Chisasibi in Northern Quebec, to share experiences and knowledge with youth on science and post-secondary education at VRƵ, with the hopes of inspiring the next generation of scientists.</p> Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:37:01 +0000 VRƵ VRƵ Takes Part in 24 Hours of Science /science/node/952236 <p>24 Hours of Science—Quebec’s biggest science and technology festival—took place May 5 and 6. VRƵ’s many science outreach programs joined in on the annual event again this year, with the Chemistry, Physics, Trottier Space Institute, Earth and Planetary Sciences, STEMM Diversity, Science Outreach, and Gault Nature Reserve teams contributing to the fun.</p> Tue, 16 May 2023 18:08:43 +0000 VRƵ Congratulations to STEMM Diversity@VRƵ! /science/node/944997 <p>The results are in for the 2023 <a href="/newsroom/faculty-and-staff/principals-prize">Principal’s Prize for Public Engagement through Media</a> and <a href="https://www.stemmdiversity.com/">STEMM Diversity@VRƵ</a> is among the runners-up recognized in the Group category. </p> Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:06:13 +0000 VRƵ Combining Art with Science /science/node/901798 <p>Using real geochemical data from the archaeological site of Itzan, Guatemala, and computer-generated artwork, PhD candidate Benjamin Keenan (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences) has produced a video that brings the ancient Mayan civilization to life. Funded by a FRQ DIALOGUE grant (the first for the Faculty of Science), his video has been shown at over 10 exhibitions and conferences, both locally and internationally. <a href="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/visualizing-the-ancient-maya-over-thousands-of-years/">Learn more about Benjamin's project</a>.</p> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 19:40:58 +0000 VRƵ What's it like to be a Biology student at VRƵ? /science/node/891920 <p>Join five current Biology students as they share their stories of finding their place and pursuing diverse paths within the discipline in this new video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j07Z5SHc2Ik">A Glimpse Into Biology at VRƵ</a>. To learn more about the inspiration for this video, read <a href="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/video-marks-launch-of-department-of-biology-outreach-campaign/">Video marks launch of Department of Biology outreach campaign</a>.</p> Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:07:44 +0000 VRƵ Science Outreach is hiring! /science/node/885047 <p>We're looking for a Science Outreach Educator to join our team. They will assist the Faculty’s Science Outreach unit in promoting and enhancing the visibility of outreach, provide training opportunities to VRƵ students and staff using evidence-based best practices and assist with the communications and evaluation components of the Outreach program. <a href="https://mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/VRƵ_Careers/job/VRƵ-College-2001/Science-Outreach-Educator_JR0000031283">Find out more</a>.</p> Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:18:03 +0000 VRƵ The Redpath Museum moves outdoors this summer /science/node/824590 <p>Enjoy the beautiful summer weather and join the <a href="http://www.mcgill.ca/redpath">Redpath Museum</a> outdoors to see and touch specimens from their natural history and world cultures collections. Fossils, skulls, minerals, ancient pottery... you never know what you'll find!</p> <p><em><strong>Every Wednesday and Thursday through August 18th: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Different themes each day. Cancelled if it rains. </strong></em></p> <p>Sherbrooke St. West and VRƵ College, east side, inside the Roddick Gates. Look for the white pop-up awning.</p> Thu, 14 Jul 2022 13:25:45 +0000 VRƵ Outreach skills and entrepreneurship /science/node/824269 <p>Wondering how the skills you develop doing science outreach can help with your future endeavours? Read about Dr. Allie Huerta (PhD in Chemistry and former star member of the <a href="/chemistry/outreach#:~:text=The%20Chemistry%20Outreach%20Group%20works,exciting%20chemical%20and%20physical%20reactions.">Chemistry Outreach Group</a>) and her new startup, <a href="https://aimcolours.com/">AIM Colours</a> — combining <a href="/channels/article/combining-cosmetics-and-technology">cosmetics and technology</a>.</p> Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:31:46 +0000 VRƵ Science students share their passion with school students across Québec /science/node/822675 <p>VRƵ students participated for the first time this year in <a href="https://eer.qc.ca/">École en réseau</a> and <a href="https://coeurdessciences.uqam.ca/">Cœur des sciences</a>, two programs that provide programming for elementary and secondary school students across Quebec.  Read about  VRƵ students Jeremy Dawkins and Kirsten Crandall's engaging collaborations with  École en réseau and Cœur des sciences in VRƵ dans la ville's article <a href="/newsroom/fr/article/mcgill-dans-la-ville/des-etudiants-en-sciences-partagent-leur-passion-avec-des-eleves-de-partout-a&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;"></a></p> Tue, 22 Mar 2022 15:39:56 +0000 VRƵ VRƵ Chemistry Outreach Group founders describe the group's work in new tribute /science/node/821268 <p>Founding members of the award-winning VRƵ Chemistry Outreach program have documented the inception and work of the group in <a href="https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/full/10.1139/cjc-2021-0182"><em>Beyond exploding balloons- bringing the science of chemistry to the public</em></a>, a new piece in the Canadian Journal of Chemistry.<br /> <br /></p> Wed, 09 Mar 2022 19:08:16 +0000 VRƵ Get to know a scientist: Herpetologist Jessica Ford /science/node/795884 <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRkZ5KfdaGw&amp;t=1s">Watch</a> herpetologist Jessica Ford explain the work she does with the easily overlooked, yet massively important tadpoles. </p> Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:47:38 +0000 VRƵ Office of Science Outreach launches online inquiry-based training /science/node/794763 <p>The <a href="/science/outreach">Office of Science Outreach</a> is excited to take its inquiry-based theory training completely online and asynchronous. <i>Intro to VRƵ Science Outreach and Inquiry-Based Learning</i> is now available on <i>myCourses</i>, VRƵ’s learning platform, for anyone interested in participating in the training. The Office created this course specifically to meet the needs of VRƵ outreach students but it is available to all students, faculty, and staff across the University and in other institutions.</p> Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:45:41 +0000 VRƵ Promoting diversity in science /science/node/787449 <p><a href="https://www.stemmdiversity.com/">STEMM Diversity @ VRƵ</a> co-founders Jessica Ford and Charles Xu detail their paths as scientists and what led them to come together to form STEMM Diversity @ VRƵ in the new article <a href="/channels/article/promoting-diversity-science">Promoting diversity in science</a>.</p> Fri, 21 Jan 2022 13:21:14 +0000 VRƵ Learn about unEarth , one of VRƵ's impact200 finalists /science/node/763762 <p>unEarth is one of the <a href="https://200.mcgill.ca/impact200-bicentennial-student-sustainability-challenge/">impact200 Bicentennial Student Sustainability Challenge </a>finalists' and their platform and supplemental educator's manual are designed to reach out and teach youth about sustainability through environmental systems thinking.</p> Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:01:56 +0000 VRƵ STEMM Diversity publishes paper and blog post /science/node/737550 <p><a href="https://www.stemmdiversity.com/">STEMM Diversity </a>group members have recently published a blog post with Cell Mentor, and a paper in Trends in Ecology.</p> Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:46:35 +0000 VRƵ Science literacy for everyone: Science Literacy Week and Chemistry Walk and Talk /science/node/725214 <p><a href="http://www.scienceliteracy.ca/">Science Literacy week</a> is happening across Canada from September 20th to September 26th, and there many activities to participate in right in Montreal. For the seventh consecutive year, VRƵ Library is planning a <a href="http://libraryguides.mcgill.ca/science-literacy">range of activities</a>.</p> Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:59:26 +0000 VRƵ CRISPR for kids /science/node/691240 <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4scDZk4Kwcw"><strong>What is CRISPR?</strong></a> Science writer and masters student Ada McVean explains CRISPR for kids in a TikTok as part of an internship with VRƵ's Office of Science Outreach for the NSERC PROMOTE program! Ada is currently doing her masters in the <a href="https://damha-group.mcgill.ca/index.html">Damha Research Group</a> at VRƵ making anti-CRISPR oligonucleotides. </p> <div class="bl-tpl"><a class="button--outline" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4scDZk4Kwcw">CRISPR for kids </a></div> Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:24:39 +0000 VRƵ Virtual Eurêka Festival launches /science/node/691128 <p>The <a href="https://archipelvirtuel.festivaleureka.ca/">2021 Eurêka Festival</a> launched on June 30th, 2021, and VRƵ Outreach is participating! L'Archipel Virtuel is the first digital edition of the festival.</p> Tue, 06 Jul 2021 13:28:12 +0000 VRƵ Principal's Prize for Public Engagement through Media: BrainReach is runner-up /science/node/691103 <p>The 2021 Principal's Prize for Public Engagement through Media winners and runners-up were named in April, including Faculty of Science outreach group BrainReach. </p> <div class="bl-tpl"><a class="button--outline" href="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/challenging-times-mcgill-researchers-step-up-to-help/">Read more here</a></div> Mon, 05 Jul 2021 14:05:10 +0000 VRƵ Family Science Day continues VRƵ’s community outreach tradition /science/node/691102 <p>VRƵ's science outreach groups celebrated VRƵ's Bicentennial with an all day event that drew in over 200 participants to 16 activities and talks. </p> <div class="bl-tpl"><a class="button--outline" href="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/family-science-day-continues-mcgills-community-outreach-tradition-into-its-third-century/">Read more here</a></div> Mon, 05 Jul 2021 13:51:41 +0000 VRƵ Celebrating Science Odyssey with Some SMOrES /science/node/691033 <p>The SMORES (Students at VRƵ Outreach in Earth Sciences) club joined in on the 2021 Science odyssey campaign with a series of exciting one hour online workshops for kids, captivating over 65 participants. </p> <div class="bl-tpl"><a class="button--outline" href="https://blogs.mcgill.ca/eps/2021/06/16/celebrating-science-odyssey-with-some-smores/">Read more</a></div> Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:10:31 +0000 VRƵ Record numbers connect, learn and have fun at VRƵ Physics Hackathon /science/node/690753 <p>The 5th edition of VRƵ Physics Hackathon brought together a record breaking number of participants in this 2020 online event. </p> <div class="bl-tpl"> <div class="bl-tpl"><a class="button--outline" href="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/record-numbers-connect-learn-and-have-fun-at-mcgill-physics-hackathon/">Read more</a></div> </div> Wed, 05 May 2021 18:15:09 +0000 VRƵ “The show must go on!”: Undergraduate Poster Showcase brings students to the virtual stage /science/node/690650 <p><em>VRƵ Science student Catherine Wang attended the Faculty of Science’s Undergraduate Poster Showcase to support her peers. Here, she shares her impressions of the event.</em></p> Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:16:25 +0000 VRƵ Bicentennial Family Science Day /science/node/690645 <p>We're celebrating <a href="https://www.science24heures.com/en/">24h de science</a> and <a href="https://200.mcgill.ca/">VRƵ's Bicentennial</a> as we move into another century of community outreach! The Science Outreach groups have all kinds of fun in store in this Faculty of Science Signature Event. Join in the celebration! For more details, please visit the full schedule found <a href="/science/channels/event/bicentennial-family-science-day-complete-schedule-330483">here</a>. </p> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:48:13 +0000 VRƵ Family Science Day: What is neuroscience? History of neuroscience at VRƵ /science/node/690494 <p>As part of VRƵ’s <a href="https://200.mcgill.ca/">Bicentennial</a> and <a href="https://www.science24heures.com/en/">24h de science</a>, join <a href="https://www.brainreach.ca/home-en.html">BrainReach</a> on a virtual tour of the brain and its fascinating neurons followed by a brief history of neuroscience. Young minds will discover how scientists at VRƵ set on a journey to understand the human brain.</p> <p> </p> <p>Topic: What is neuroscience? History of neuroscience at VRƵ</p> <p>Time: May 8, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)</p> <p> </p> <p>Join Zoom Meeting</p> Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:14:49 +0000 VRƵ VRƵ's Chemistry Outreach Group wins Principal's Prize /science/node/626796 <p>The <a href="/chemistry/department/outreach">Chemistry Outreach Group</a> has taken home the Principal’s Prize for Public Engagement through Media, winning the inaugural 'Collaboration' category for groups of undergraduate or graduate students that engage with the external community and/or the media.</p> <p>The Prize recognizes the vital role outreach groups play in supporting the University’s commitment to being of service to society and engaging with the broader community.</p> Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:55:55 +0000 VRƵ