Media Release

For Immediate Release

October 20, 2008

Saint Mary’s hosts provincial Science Olympics

Saint Mary’s university hosted a fun and interactive competition this past weekend as Nova Scotia elementary school students and their teachers were given a hands-on, minds-on lesson on science.

Grade 4 and 5 students from across the province took part in Science Olympics on Saturday, Oct. 18, where they applied their scientific knowledge and worked through a series of challenges.

More than 100 participants used concepts learned in the classroom and a few basic materials to test their energy efficiency knowledge and communication skills. They safely dropped eggs from high altitudes, built free-standing structures from playing cards, and constructed devices in teams.

"The Nova Scotia science curriculum helps students build a foundation for problem-solving, inquiry, decision-making and lifelong learning," said Education Minister Karen Casey in a news release about the event. "The Science Olympics gives students a chance to practice their skills and gain a new appreciation for critical thinking."

The Science Olympics is a joint initiative of the Department of Education, Conserve Nova Scotia and EnCana Corporation. The event celebrates National Science and Technology Week from Oct. 17 to 26.

For more information about this event, contact Steven Stewart, Department of Education, at 902-424-5432, 478-5529 (cell), or stews@gov.ns.ca.

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For more information:

Blake Patterson
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: blake.patterson@smu.ca
www.smu.ca