2007-2008

News Release

REF NO.: 108

SUBJECT: Young scientists converge at Memorial University

DATE: February 13, 2008

For two days next week, budding scientists will get a chance to learn more about the art of science thanks to the efforts of Memorial University students.
Elementary, junior and high school classes will be visiting the St. John’s campus Feb. 19-20, touring the area, visiting different science-related laboratories and seeing first-hand how science impacts everyday life.
It’s all part of the 2008 Lab Extravaganza Days, co-ordinated by the Let’s Talk Science Partnership Program. That’s an educational outreach group made up of graduate and undergraduate students from Memorial which has been encouraging young minds to embrace the importance of science for more than 10 years.
School students will see how science plays a part in a variety of areas including engineering, biochemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry and psychology. 
“It gives them an in-depth look at the different science fields that are out there, how they differ and how interesting and fun they can be while also letting them know what Memorial has to offer in relation to science,” said Nichole Adams, a third-year kinesiology student who is helping co-ordinate this year’s event. 
“It’s a good way of letting them know what being a chemist means, or a biologist for example since the definition is often misunderstood.”
More than 20 Memorial volunteers will help co-ordinate this year’s Lab Extravaganza Days. Ms. Adams said they’re each hoping to inspire young minds to better appreciate the world of science.
“We hope that the students walk away with a sense of understanding for science in general and the different science-related fields,” she noted. “We hope they feel motivation to pursue a career in science and a sense of appreciation for what Memorial has to offer in the science related fields.”
To learn more about the 2008 Lab Extravaganza Days or the Let’s Talk Science Partnership Program, visit www.mun.ca/LTS, or call the program office at (709) 737-4028, located in room IIC-2004 of the Inco Innovation Centre.

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