Science Rendezvous: Free, open-to-the-public, and inclusive science and engineering festival
It is an important time now, more than ever, to not only support science but ignite a passion for it in the next generation.
As parents or grown-ups with kids, it can sometimes be challenging to find opportunities where little minds can experience science in an accessible manner, with language that they would understand, through play and interactive booths, and from students and researchers who are most passionate about it.
But what if we told you that there is a free, open-to-the-public, inclusive science festival that takes place right here in Winnipeg every year in May? Science Rendezvous is the biggest science and engineering festival in the province, hosted by the University of Manitoba on the Fort Gary campus. This year, we are back on Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you want an outdoor and active experience, visit the “Giant Bubble” and the “Oobleck Run” on the Buller Lawn. Your little companions can see the world around them from inside a giant bubble made of soap, water, and glycerin. Encourage them to walk fast over the pool of Oobleck, made of cornstarch and water, and cheer them at the end of the runway, for if they stop, they get stuck! But no worries here, cause a little wiggle and movement gets them walking on the pool again.
If you are looking to socializing your kids with other little minds or the passionate scientists, try any of the booths from “DNA Extraction” and “Mission Immunity” to “Arctic Science Station” and “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Lives”.
We have hands-on activities in booths such as “Theremin's Music” where you can play a musical instrument based on radio frequency; “Critter Dipping” where you can catch and release various invertebrates from Oak Hammock Marsh with a plastic spoon; and “MAW Rocket Lab” where rockets get built and kids get to hit targets with them and get a "Rocket Scientist" badges after.
However, if you want a calmer, less interactive experience, you can watch the “Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Show” in the quad, or take a walk through the “Cretaceous Menagerie” to explore skeletal replicas of gigantic creatures and different types of rocks and minerals. There is also the “Sensory-friendly Quiet Space”, a room where anyone needing a few minutes of quiet is welcome to sit and relax until they are ready to explore some more!
There are 4 shows happening on May 9! The Chemistry Show, Physics Show, and Planetarium Show all require tickets. To learn more, please visit our website. The Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Show does not require a ticket. Join us to learn more about Manitoba's amazing wildlife, how to support nature, and meet the stars of the show, the animal ambassadors!
All these locations can be found on the Science Rendezvous map, available online and printed on a large scale on-site. For available parking, please visit our website.
See you on May 9!
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