Do you have a sense of discovery? Are you curious about the world around you? Would you like to talk to some of the world’s leading research scientists and participate in hands-on activities that showcase the methods of their groundbreaking research? If so, Exploration Expo is the place to be.
The University of Lethbridge presents its inaugural Exploration Expo, an interactive community outreach event, on Saturday, June 7, 2014 in Galt Gardens, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Designed to encourage conversation between all ages and experiences by stimulating people’s minds and passions through inspiring programming, Exploration Expo will include a variety of interactive activities that provide hands-on research experiences and introduce methods used by our world-renowned researchers, helping participants see the relevance of research in their community. In addition, U of L researchers will engage the community in a dialogue about their work, encouraging participation from listeners and community members in the resulting discussions.
“This inaugural event will also serve as the launch for our newly-named ASPIRE group,” says Faculty of Arts & Science Dean, Dr. Craig Cooper, of the Arts & Science Programs Inspiring Research and Exploration group. “ASPIRE is all about bringing the incredible people and research interests we have here at the U of L to the community and encouraging people of all ages to explore new concepts through hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations and inspiring presentations.”
Lethbridge is a city where ideas flourish and where collaboration is celebrated. Exploration Expo is designed for families, offering activities that will appeal to all ages, from pre-school children to seniors. The event looks to further connections between the sciences and the arts with the southern Alberta community and promote a greater understanding of the activities taking place at the U of L – all of which seek to better our lives.
“Community outreach is a real priority for our Faculty,” continues Cooper. “It’s important that we can involve the broader community in the work that we do. Another example of this is the establishment of a new Public Professor Series in the fall. This will be a series of pub-style talks to be held at the U of L’s Penny Building, all involving issues of popular interest to the general public that we hope will provoke some great questions and dialogue with the people of southern Alberta.”
Some of the displays and activities at Exploration Expo will include a Shakespeare in the Park performance, the LUMACS (Life, U, Mathematics and Computer Science) programming maze and maker area and a research presentation by Dr. Stefan Kienzle as he asks, “Is it really getting warmer in Alberta?”
For a look at all the Exploration Expo events, visit: www.facebook.com/ulethbridge.ca.