The B.C. government's Year of Science: Science and the World Around Us expo is underway in Prince George. The two-day event, which is being held at the Prince George Civic Centre April 11-12, is designed to excite students about learning more about science and technology and the many fascinating science-related careers B.C. has to offer.

The science expo is free to the public and features expert presenters, as well as fascinating workshops and displays in fields as diverse as engineering, bioenergy, geoscience, forestry, transportation, fisheries and mining. The expo has a strong northern focus, and as many as 1,400 students from schools throughout the region are expected to attend.

Highlights:

• The activity and exhibit section allows students to get hands-on with the tools and techniques being used by some of B.C.'s brightest scientists.
• Examples include: mapping the origins of metals and minerals used in the construction of a snowmobile, testing out GPS devices in an indoor and outdoor geocaching activity, as well as witnessing the science and engineering behind B.C. transportation.
• The transportation exhibit includes technology demos such as portable weigh scales for road safety checks, a hybrid car and a model electrical intersection.
• Kids of all ages can enjoy the exploration zone and putting on their thinking caps with fun, creative exercises and puzzles to get them experimenting with science and the world around them. This activity is presented by The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre (in Prince George) and Science World.
• The popular career roundtables are offering small groups of students the opportunity to participate in engaging career roundtables, as leading scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs share their personal stories and describe some of the exciting careers students can pursue in B.C.

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government has designated the 2010-2011 school year the Year of Science in B.C. to help raise awareness among young people of the many exciting, fulfilling and well-paying careers available in science-related fields.
• In 2009, over 245,218 British Columbians were employed in science-related occupations.
• By 2019, this is projected to reach 309,668; a gain of 64,450 jobs.
• Within the next decade, one in eight B.C. jobs will be science-related.

Throughout B.C.:

• Over 80,000 B.C. students from K to 12 have attended a Year of Science event/lecture.
• Over 33,000 B.C. parents have attended a Year of Science event/lecture.
• Over 8,000 post-secondary students have attended a Year of Science event/lecture.

Learn More:

Year of Science: Science and the World Around Us expo schedule (yearofsciencebc.ca)

Contact:

Lauren Mulholland
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 952-0615