The Ethics Bowl encourages students to teach and learn from one another as they take part in courageous conversations about ethical issues. Students are given case studies that present various ethical dilemmas and must craft a response by looking at all sides of the question. Though it is similar in some ways to a debate competition, it is meant to provide a positive alternative to debates. It prioritizes careful argument, understanding and collaboration over confrontation. The Bowl encourages deeper critical thinking by examining Canadian and international issues, with the aim of finding the best solution possible. This process emphasizes skills such as critical thinking, active listening, articulation and expression, open-mindedness, respectful dialogue and disagreement. Students engage actively with peers as they share diverse views, challenge ideas and assumptions and deepen understanding. 

The incredible students that participated in this year’s event collectively put together thousands of hours of research and dedication to preparing for the competition, culminating in three matches in front of a panel of esteemed judges.

The excitement was palpable as students excitedly mingled amongst themselves, getting to know new friends and faces while discussing the findings of their research throughout the afternoon. Mr. Sokalski, a former teacher, and Ethics Bowl coach at Kelvin High School mentioned feeling elated to see two students pushing to connect and continue their conversations about Emmanuel Kant and his works after a match. Such a feat wasn’t possible last year due to a Zoom only competition because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Across the board, students agreed that there was so much more life to having the competition in person in contrast to the previous two years. In an interview with a few students (Jai, Rory and Gabriel), Gabriel, an aspiring law student and competitor, said “The University (of Manitoba) is the best place to hold events like this because it really feels like a place of education when I’m competing and having these conversations in the lecture halls”. Additionally, both Rory and Gabriel mentioned that they were excited to have the opportunity to broaden their perspective and expand their worldview, as well as to develop their critical thinking skills in a safe and collaborative setting. Rory, who is from Fischer Branch, exclaimed that the Ethics Bowl “was a fantastic way to get insights into philosophical viewpoints of those that live within the city as well as to hear about the different lives that they experience”.

The students weren’t the only ones excited to feel the buzz in the air. Several judges and moderators, who ranged from University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg students to professionals from education, law, health care and the social sector, expressed how heartwarming it was to see the students so engaged in an active learning process. From displaying eloquence, great sportsmanship, collaboration and more, each and every student put their best foot forward in furthering their development as a morally engaged citizens.

This year’s winning team was from Miles MacDonell Collegiate. The École secondaire Kelvin High School team finished as runners-up. Both teams will now represent Manitoba at the national competition in May 2023.

The Manitoba Ethics Bowl would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to all of the participants, teachers, volunteers and organizations for their time, resources and effort in putting the 2023 Ethics Bowl together. Without them, students like Rory, Jai, and Gabriel wouldn’t be able to experience these types of extracurricular opportunities.

The Science Rendezvous STEAM Big Award is national recognition for the team’s extraordinary vision and leadership as well as their commitment to creating a truly outstanding event.

“The enormous effort and dedication required to bring such an event to fruition cannot be understated. Science Rendezvous is honoured to have such dedicated individuals and groups share our vision and mission,” explains Katie Miller, Executive Director, Science Rendezvous.

The Science Rendezvous UM team embraced the challenge to STEAM Green in 2021, going above and beyond to promote the Million Tree Project through exciting initiatives and activities. A total of 4857 trees were planted by participants of the Manitoba School Tree Planting Challenge, launched on June 10th, 2021, as part of the Million Tree Project. Science Rendezvous volunteers, university staff and students received hundreds of additional trees, not included in this official count. The coordinating team had to face the challenges associated with COVID-19 restrictions but showed their resourcefulness and resilience by adapting their programming and arranging tree pick-ups for students. In the Fall of 2021, another tree giveaway event took place as part of NSERC Science Literacy Week and National Tree Day, resulting in the distribution of an additional 3012 trees! 

Over the course of these events, this coordinating team has expanded their outreach from eight to seventeen communities and engaged almost 60 schools. This project’s reach extended beyond the city limits, with half of the participating sites being in rural areas.

“I have always been a save the earth enthusiast, being part of a project that let me use my skills to facilitate a greener earth was a great opportunity for me. I want to thank my team and I appreciate the spirit of togetherness, especially with regards to the pandemic. Much to their credit we were able to bring this to life virtually to make the project a success. The diversity of students and the knowledge they contributed was amazing.

It warms my heart so much that our actions did not go to waste, seeing the project expand to over 60 schools who joined in this project and getting our hard work noticed. We are deeply honored to receive this award. Winning the Steam Green award and being a part of the team is a phenomenal part of my life that I will always remember and be proud of,” explains Annie Shad, student volunteer and Science Rendezvous team captain.

The coordinating team was also able to supply saplings to an arts centre, a local museum, and a First Nations community. As a result of these activities, the Million Tree Project has gained participants in 18 school divisions, representing 47% of the divisions in the province.

It should be noted that this coordinating team established important partnerships with local agencies which helped maximize the impact of these events. Manitoba Forestry’s Agriculture and Peatlands branch supplied 5000 saplings in addition to delivering trees to several rural schools and planting sites while Trees Winnipeg and Tree Canada helped promote the Million Tree Project through tree-planting events. Other notable connections and partners who supported these initiatives include CCUNESCO Schools, Science First, Parks Canada, Fort Whyte Alive, Shelmerdines Garden Centre and McNally Robinson Booksellers and Author Ariel Gordon. 

Beyond these events, this coordinating team organized a series of virtual public talks discussing important topics like climate, ecosystems, and climate change. These talks featured speakers from various disciplines and backgrounds and were moderated by Dr. Brian Mark, Dean, Faculty of Science. As part of Science Rendezvous, this coordinating team joined the Virtual Science Chase event, encouraging participants to tackle STEAM challenges with their friends and families. 

The Qilak Award for Astronomy Outreach and Communication recognizes individual Canadian residents, or teams of residents, who have made an outstanding contribution either to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy in Canada or to informal astronomy education in Canada.

Dr. Jayanne English, an expert in astronomy image-making has a unique background that includes education and experience in art and design, as well as astronomy. She worked on the Hubble Heritage Project during her postdoctoral years.  Currently, Dr. Jayanne English teaches, “The Art of Scientific Visualization (SCI 4000/PHYS 7440)” at the University of Manitoba.

Established in 2011, these Awards are given, one by each of the sponsoring organizations, with a common purpose and evaluation criteria. The sponsoring organizations of the Awards are CASCA, FAAQ and the RASC.

The CASCA award announcement:

CASCA is pleased to announce Dr. Jayanne English as the recipient of the 2021 Qilak Award. Dr. English obtained her PhD from Australian National University, and is currently an Associate Professor of Astronomy at the University of Manitoba. Over many decades, Dr. English has leveraged her prior training as an artist (at the Ontario College of Art and Design University) to build a unique outreach program that bridges art and science. She has promoted the use of artistic techniques and design to influence how astronomical images are constructed by both professional astronomers and amateur enthusiasts. During her two-year tenure as the coordinator for the Hubble Heritage Project, she led the production of some of the most iconic Hubble Space Telescope images, many of which have had billions of views. Combining optical data with radio observations, Dr. English was recently awarded a 2nd Place National Radio Astronomy Observatory 2020 Visualization Award for her stunning composite HST-VLA image of the galaxy NGC 5775. In collaboration with composer Nicole Lizee, she produced “Colliding Galaxies: Colours and Tones”, a unique integration of astronomy and electronic music. By designing and teaching courses such as “The Art of Scientific Visualization”, Dr. English has also trained a next generation of astronomical visualization experts, guaranteeing that her work will have a multiplicative effect on the broader community.

CASCA is delighted to recognize Dr. Jayanne English’s efforts with this award.

More than 700+ volunteers from the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg are helping to organize the event, which will include over 60+ hands-on activities, science shows, tours of facilities, and cutting-edge research.

“If someone hasn’t attended the event before, they might think it’s all about science, or akin to a school science fair. It’s nothing like a science fair, and it’s actually about so much more: it’s about discovery and innovation and creativity and wonder,” said Kyla Smith, event organizer.

From robots to bugs, fossils to outer space, it’s fun for preschoolers, tweens, parents and grandparents alike. Activities are both indoors and outdoors (weather permitting), and include a giant Oobleck pool, musical staircase, glow wall, fruit keyboard, balloons in the shape of microbes or molecules, and liquid nitrogen ice-cream, and more!

Live shows include, the Chemistry Potions Class (à la Hogwarts), and the Physics Adventure Show with evil, (or not), so genius, plotting to take over the world, they promise to amaze, dazzle and delight.

Food trucks, refillable water stations, and free parking will also be available.

You don’t want to miss this year’s Science Rendezvous and the chance to explore the science all around you.

Science Rendezvous is a free annual science festival, a signature marquee partner event of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Science Odyssey Week, May 4 – 19. A celebration of Discovery & Innovation. Science Rendezvous Winnipeg, at the University of Manitoba. It includes indoor and outdoor hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities.

For more information, please contact:

If you are interested in any aspect of the event, please contact: Event Organizer, Kyla Smith, kyla [dot] smith [at] umanitoba [dot] ca.

Media Contact, Jennifer MacRae, jennifer [dot] macrae [at] umanitoba [dot] ca

Photo gallery from Science Rendezvous 2018. Images courtesy of Kira Koop.

Kyla Smith, Science Rendezvous, Event Organizer. Photo credit: Kira Koop.

She’ll tell you she worked overseas in the United Arab Emirates and China as a high school physics teacher before returning to Canada to study at the UofM. In 2018, she came second in the 3-Minute Thesis competition, discussing her work in helping to build a better MRI, then went on to defend her Master’s thesis this past January. She sits on the board of the Canadian Association of Physicists Foundation, and as if all that weren’t enough, Smith has just been accepted to the University of Oxford for a PhD to study physics education. She also won the Dean of Graduate Studies’ Student Achievement Award in November 2018. The award recognizes outstanding performance as a graduate student for academic excellence, leadership, teaching ability, volunteerism and mentorship.

In the midst of her academic commitments, Smith has spent the past two years as the coordinator of the Discover Days portion of Science Rendezvous, organizing the arrival of thousands of Grade 3 to 5 students from across the province to attend the event at the UofM campus.  This year sees her temporarily taking the helm as overall Science Rendezvous coordinator for Seema Goel, the Faculty of Science’s STEAM Coordinator.

Smith may shy away from talking about herself in depth, but words don’t fail her when it comes to Science Rendezvous. She’s happy to expound on why families should attend what she refers to as a “not to be missed” happening.

“If someone hasn’t attended the event before, they might think it’s all about science, or akin to a school science fair. It’s nothing like a science fair, and it’s actually about so much more than science: it’s about discovery and innovation and creativity and wonder – all of which are relatable human endeavors that kids understand immediately.

“Of course, researchers know that these are also the components of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEAM subjects) but it’s the way everything comes alive at Science Rendezvous that makes it so special. Everything from interacting with robots to holding live insects to walking on the surface of a liquid that becomes solid with the pressure of your steps. Creativity and discovery are where the arts and sciences meet, and the integration of arts to offer a window into science and engineering is an unexpected and delightful aspect of this event.”

Of the over fifty or so activities on offer, Smith claims to have a few favourites:

“The musical staircase is always a highlight for me – I immediately become a kid again, jumping from one stair to another, finding the right notes to create a song. Another huge highlight that is back again this year is the Chemistry Potions Class. Hogwarts-themed and packed with truly amazing chemistry experiments, this live show leaves audiences absolutely awed!”

 

Science Rendezvous 2018. Photo credit: Kira Koop.

Science Rendezvous. Musical Staircase. Photo credit Kira Koop.

Smith believes that everyone should attend Science Rendezvous for the fun and “sense of wonder”. This year’s theme is “STEAM Big” With a multitude of hands-on activities, and so much to see and do, she feels that it’s the family event of the year. Best of all, it’s free!

“For me, Science Rendezvous is this delightful link between research and education, bringing access to science and engineering to the public in new ways.”

Science Rendezvous is a free annual science festival, a signature marquee partner event of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Science Odyssey Week, May 4 – 19. A celebration of Discovery & Innovation. Science Rendezvous, at the University of Manitoba it is made possible by the efforts of over 600+ student volunteers. It includes indoor and outdoor hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities.

For more information, please contact:

If you are interested in any aspect of the event, including volunteering or partnership opportunities, please contact: Event Organizer, Kyla Smith, kyla.smith@umanitoba.ca.

Media Contact, Jennifer MacRae, jennifer.macrae@umanitoba.ca

When it comes to potions, there’s few more famous than the one whipped up by the three witches in “Macbeth,” William Shakespeare’s ghostly tale of murder and mayhem. Ingredients such as “eye of newt” and “toe of frog” are just some of the fanciful components of the brew that are mentioned, all meant to be used to predict the future of the murderous Scottish king.

Potions also play a significant role in Science Rendezvous, (Canada’s annual celebration of science and engineering), where they’ve been featured in their very own show for the past few years. Inspired by the potions classes found in J.K. Rowlings’ Harry Potter series, these concoctions are meant not only to amaze but to educate audiences about Chemistry, too.

Science Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Kira Koop.

A collaboration between student volunteers from the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg, as well the U of M’s Theatre Department, the scripted Chemistry Potions Class hopes to entertain and mystify thousands of attendees. Shows will take place on Discover Days (May 3 and 4), for elementary schools; as well as on Saturday, May 11, 2019, during Science Rendezvous’ a free family festival, for the public at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus.

What: Science Rendezvous 2019
Free Family Science and Engineering Festival
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019, 11am – 4pm
Where: University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus,
UMSU University Centre, and EITC Engineering Buildings
50+ hands-on activities, live shows, and tours!
Web: www.sciencerendezvous.ca/event_sites/university-of-manitoba/ 

Last year, live shows at Science Rendezvous were jam-packed. Attendance has increased each year by approximately 1,000 people. As such, the show has relocated from the Armes Lecture Hall to the larger second-floor multi-purpose room in UMSU University Centre. The show will run four times on Saturday to accommodate the expected 6,000+ visitors to the festival.

Volunteer Kyle Saunders, a chemistry student at the U of W, remembers the 2018 Hogwarts-themed potions show fondly:

“My favourite part of [it] were the experiments that “affected” the muggle electrical system. Due to a powerful spell, the lights shut off and we were stuck in the dark. Each student in the potions class used their own experiment in attempt to bring the lights back on. This was a great opportunity for us to show off our experiments that demonstrated different light sources.”

Saunders adds:

“Science Rendezvous is a great opportunity for me to share my love for chemistry with a younger generation. I would encourage any family to come join us.”

Science Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Kira Koop.

Science Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Kira Koop.

U of M Microbiology undergrad and SR volunteer Kartik Sachar remembers the behind-the-scenes efforts to create and present the potions class as a highlight of last year’s event:

“Our great team had spent so many hours of preparation and development for an amazing show. The smiles on people’s faces when they see an exciting chemical reaction makes me glad to come back every year.”

Science Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Kira Koop.

Science Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Kira Koop.

Like most events of this scope, it takes a lot of willing volunteers to make it a success.  Without the students’ collective energy and enthusiasm, it would be impossible to present this fantastic (and free!) celebration each year.

U of M Physics undergrad and SR volunteer Neil Doerksen knows this for a fact. He’s particularly proud of the Physics show, which he has spent many hours helping to produce:

“This year, our gem is the Physics Adventure Show and all are welcome! Not to give away too much, but [it] has an evil (not-so) genius trying to take over the world.”

Science Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Kira Koop.

Science Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Kira Koop.

As Event Coordinator for this year’s SR, Kyla Smith is equally sure that audiences will be impressed with the all-new production, observing that it is “witty and fun with more than a few physics stunts that are sure to make audiences gasp!”  

One misconception that the general public might have is that they need to have a background in science to enjoy SR. Sachar wants families to know that it just isn’t true. Anyone can enjoy the activities on offer. Just be sure to bring your natural curiosity and sense of fun to the UofM campus for Science Rendezvous, on Saturday, May 11^th, and you’ll be good to go.

Science Rendezvous is a free annual science festival, a signature marquee partner event of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Science Odyssey Week, May 4 – 19. A celebration of Discovery & Innovation. Science Rendezvous, at the University of Manitoba it is made possible by the efforts of over 600+ student volunteers. It includes indoor and outdoor hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities.

At Discovery Day, co-hosted by the University of Manitoba’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, students will interact with award-winning faculty members and researchers, take part in interactive workshops demonstrating real-world biomedical and other skills, and tour facilities, including Canada’s only Level 4 containment laboratory where the Ebola vaccine was developed.

“We are excited to open our doors to young minds from across our province and see many of our research affiliates and partners also involved in this year’s event,” said Dr. Brian Postl, Dean, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. “Discovery Day is a valuable opportunity for high school students to explore the diverse health sciences education and training we offer at the University of Manitoba and to expose them to the varied career opportunities in the health professions and biomedical sciences.”

“Improving human health in Canada and around the world is vital to everyone’s lives – and encouraging our youth to choose a career in a field where they can do this is equally vital,” adds Lissa Foster, Executive Director of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. “More than 85 per cent of students who participate in this program across the country tell us this day helped them to solidify their plans to pursue a career in the health sciences, often helping them to identify a specific area of focus.”

This program is free to student participants with support from national sponsor MD Financial Management and regional sponsors.

Agenda

Opening – Frederic Gaspard Theatre, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Bannatyne Campus
8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks
9:00 a.m. Key Note Lecture – Dr. Sara Goulet, Family Physician, Ongomiizwin, Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing
9:30 a.m. Key Note Lecture – Linda Lam, third-year medical student
10:00 a.m. Workshops begin

Media are invited to interview/video participants at 10:00 a.m. at the following workshops by meeting in Brodie Atrium, 727 McDermot Ave.:
• Nursing Skills with Injections and Ostomies
• Respiratory Therapy
• Ongomiizwin: Cultural Teachings and Indigenous Health
• A Day in the Life of a Microbiologist

Full workshop catalogue available online.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN MEDICAL HALL OF FAME

Established in 1994, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) is a national charitable organization that fosters future generations of health professionals through the celebration of our country’s rich medical history, scholarship and awards programs, and the delivery of both local and national education programs for youth.  Annually, six individuals are recognized for their extraordinary contribution to improving the health of Canadians and people world-wide. This enduring tribute to Canada’s medical heroes is showcased on the CMHF website www.cdnmedhall.org  and in a portrait gallery, exhibit hall and media theatre located in downtown London, ON.

There will be witches potions, fizzing eyeballs, finding lost Daleks and much more.

When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Engineering Atrium on the Fort Garry Campus
Note: Kids can participate in a Potions Class or watch a Science Magic Show which will be running throughout the day

**NEW** Free tickets are available on SpookyScience2018.eventbrite.ca  

Let’s Talk Science (LTS) is a national charitable, award-winning outreach program that focuses on improving science literacy to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 across Canada.

Let’s Talk Science accomplishes its goals through interactive, hands-on science workshops to students.

Programs at the Faculty of Science that will benefit include two initiatives already underway, now both in their second year: a Summer Workshop in Mathematics, organized by the Department of Mathematics, and Discovery Days, a STEAMUmanitoba program initiative.

The Summer Workshop in Mathematics, attracts K-8 teachers from across Winnipeg and the surrounding area. The program challenges participants to reconsider what skills need to be emphasized in the classroom at the primary level to later allow access to the higher-level concepts in math. It aims to provide teachers with a new set of tools for teaching math; to better engage youth in logic, reasoning, and critical thinking.

The Discovery Days program, brings 2000 elementary school students to campus to participate in a full-day of directed hands-on science classroom activities and labs, exhibits and live science shows. The hands-on activities are designed to spark imagination and normalize the experience of being on campus, especially for students who may never have visited a university beforehand.

As the Government of Canada reports: 

“Our government understands the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and a passion for science among our children and youth. PromoScience funding will help inspire young Canadians to make science part of their education, their careers and their lives. When we support young Canadians, as these grants will do, we are building a brighter future for our entire country.”– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport“The fostering of curiosity in science and engineering opens doors to novel ideas, creative solutions and exciting career possibilities. By sharing their enthusiasm and expertise with Canada’s youth, the science outreach community is contributing to a healthy science culture in communities across this country.”– Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President of NSERC

Quick Facts

• NSERC’s PromoScience Program offers financial support for non-profit organizations working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science and engineering, including mathematics and technology.
• In Budget 2018, the Government of Canada proposed a historic investment of nearly $4 billion over five years in research and the next generation of researchers.
• The Government of Canada is committed to promoting a culture where young people and the public are engaged and excited about science, through campaigns including #choosescience and #ScienceAroundMe.

Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.

“We are excited to open our doors to high school students from across our province. This program is a way to expose young minds to the diverse health sciences education and training we offer in our faculty and influence the future careers of students,” said Brian Postl, Dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Co-hosted by the University of Manitoba’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, students will speak with award-winning faculty members, take part in interactive workshops demonstrating real-world medical skills and get a clear picture of what it’s really like to be a health professional.

“Improving human health in Canada and around the world is vital to everyone’s lives – and encouraging our youth to choose a career in a field where they can do this is equally vital,” said Lissa Foster, Executive Director of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. “More than 85% of students who participate in this program across the country tell us this day helped them to solidify their plans to pursue a career in the health sciences, often helping them to identify a specific area of focus.”

This program is free to student participants with support from national sponsor AstraZeneca Canada and regional sponsors.