Spring 2013 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 2

The action packed summer is almost here! Let's Talk Science is getting read to host an exciting array of events covering everything from Quantum Physics to Ocean Science and Math.

Summer 2013 Calendar: April 26-27 Ocean Science Symposium (Grades 10-12) April 27 Beaver's Mythbusters Science Camp May 3 All Science Challenge (Grades 68) May 10 Engineering Olympics (Grades 810) May 11 Brain Bee (Grades 9-12) May 17 Math PI - Interactive Math event (Grades 9-12) May 18 ELMACON Math Challenge (Grades 5-7) To Register for this event click here! May 24 Quantum Mechanics Symposium (Grades 10-12) May 25

Last Semester Review

LTS UVic proudly hosted two very successful events which brought over 160 grade 9-12 students to the UVic campus where they experienced hand-on minds-on learning related to their interest and curriculum. These symposia received excellent feedback from students and teachers. The Social Science Symposium was organized in collaboration with the Department of Geography and the School of Environmental Studies. The theme for this symposium was 'Coastal Biodiversity' which inspired students to research and discuss a variety of topics ranging from First Nations' relationship with salmon to coastal sand dune ecosystems' .

Students presenting at the Social Science Symposium!

The Biomedical Symposium was supported by the Centre for Biomedical Research and the Division of Medical Sciences at UVic. The symposium was on the theme of 'The Changing Brain'. The students had the opportunity to visit research labs where they saw first hand how brain experiments are conducted.

Beaveree: Regional Beavers Camp June 1 Forensic Anthropology Day (Grades 10-12) To Register for the above events or for more information, please email: LTS@uvic.ca

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Dr. Paul Zehr from the Centre for Biomedical Research speaks at the Brain Symposium We Thank our Supporters! The success of Let's Talk Science events depends entirely on the goodwill and committment of its supporters. We want to acknowledge the following faculty for their time and dedication that made the two spring symposia possible: Dr. Chris Darimont and Dr. Ian Walker from the Department of Geography. Dr Brian Starzmoski from the School of Environmental Studies. Dr. Paul Zehr from the Centre for Biomedical Research. Dr. Robert Chow from the Department of Biology and and Dr. Jim Tanaka from the Department of Psychology. Dr. Leigh Swayne and Dr. Craig Brown from the Division of Medical Sciences. Shout out to the Volunteers! Let's Talk Science is a largely volunteer based organization and to facilitate events it relies on a highly motivated and diverse volunteer base. We want to thank all the amazing individuals who have made past events possible. We also extend our welcome to our new coordinator Dr. Anna Patten. Anna has been a super active volunteer for many years and it's awesome to have her in a coordinator capacity just before the busy summer. Brain Symposium: Visit to a research lab Medical Student Lecture Series: The medical student lectures are now a regular feature that facilitate interaction of medical students with the larger community on general health topics. In the Spring semester there were 3 seminars held. The first one titled 'The Heartbeat Demystified' explored the role of ion pathways in making the heart beat and was presented by Natasha Qureshi. Leah Ellingwood and Lauren Whittaker lead the second seminar on 'Antibiotic resistance: Rise of the Superbug'. Lastly, Khatereh Aminoltejari and Jessica Nathan presented on 'Fecal Transplants: Strage or Miracle Cure'. The seminars were well attended and got local press coverage as well. The seminar on Fecal Transplants was featured in the Monday Magazine March 21st issue. Other Events Through the semester classroom visits have continued. In February, we participated in the Westshore Town Centre Hobby Days where we had multiple activity stations lead by volunteers with hands-on science activities for the general public. LTS UVic has participated in this event for 3 years and has received a very good response from the public. This year we had 250 visitors. LTS UVic also had activity stations at the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair for the participants during their lunch break. New Relationships

Coming up on May 3rd 25 teams, 95 students registered!

Get involved! Did you know that Let's Talk Science offers numerous volunteer opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from all faculties? click here to find out more!

Exploring the Medical Sciences labs

Victoria Native Friendship Centre: A new relationship has been formed with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. On April 10, Leah Ellingwood and Lauren Whittaker gave their talk on Antibiotic Resistance as a part of the VNFCs monthly health seminars. On May 8 our new coordinator, Dr. Anna Patten will be giving a talk at the May seminar on nutrition and the brain. We are hoping to continue with these throughout the summer with more medical students leading talks. Scouts Canada:To further our reach into the community we offered visits to local Scout groups. Our volunteers have gone on multiple visits to Scout Club and Beavers meetings with our activity kits and have given tours of the UVic telescope. In the coming months we have more events planned with local Beavers including two camps (Mythbusters and the Beaveree). St. Margaret's School: Dr. Jain Gair, Coordinator for LTS UVic was contacted by Mr. Pat Giommi, the Deputy Head at St. Margaret's school to discuss a possible STEM relationship between the two institutions. Well known for the strength of its math and science program, St Margaret's is hoping to increase the STEM experiences and activities for their students. Dr. Gair met with science and math teachers to organize a partnership that will be ongoing under the coordination of LTS coordinator, Dr. Anna Patten. It's an exciting opportunity for LTS volunteers involved in the partnership and girls at St. Margaret's who will have access to mentors in STEM fields and learn more about postsecondary education at the University of Victoria.

Upcoming Events Summer is a busy season both on and off campus. For latest information on upcoming events please visit: http://www.letstalkscience.ca/uvic/upcomingevents.html Check out our national website to find out what's happening across Canada: www.letstalkscience.ca

Students try out 'Brain caps' provided by Let's Talk Science

For more information regarding events, volunteer opportunities and office hours, please email: LTS@uvic.ca.

2013 UVic Let's Talk Science