April is science season for region’s students
Everyone knows April signals spring, but in Peterborough April is also science season.
The Peterborough Regional Science Fair, hosted at Trent University, takes place April 9 in the Environmental Science Complex building at Trent’s East Bank campus, with public viewing from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“For 56 years, students from kindergarten to Grade 12 have presented their projects to judges, peers, parents, teachers and the general public,” says Jill Emery, sponsorship and outreach administrator for the fair.
“Visit our fair to explore science discovery from every discipline: math, computer, health, environment engineering, biological sciences and many more,” Emery added.
“It’s spectacular to witness the enthusiasm in all the rooms.”
The top projects will advance to the Canada-wide Science Fair at Carleton University in Ottawa in May.
The awards ceremony takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Wenjack Theatre and features guest speaker Mamdouh Mina from Fleming College speaking on “Have you ever wondered how secure your cloud data is in today’s AI world?”
“His animated presentation will have us thinking,” said Emery.
For information, visit peterboroughsciencefair.com.
Eclipse
The April meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association is cancelled due to the upcoming total solar eclipse.
“Unfortunately, many members of the Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) have come down with ‘eclipse fever’ and, as a result, will not be hosting their usual monthly meeting, classes and presentations as normal. They have decided to cancel the April meeting and will resume their monthly schedule on Friday, May 3,” reports publicity director Rick Stankiewicz.
The PAA has also issued a warning for the eclipse that occurs on the afternoon of April 8 between 2:09 p.m. and 4:35 p.m.
“Never look at a partially eclipsed sun without proper approved eye protection (marked ISO#12312-2) and for your camera or other viewing equipment or permanent damage to your eyes and equipment can occur,” said Stankiewicz.
“The Peterborough region (north of Port Hope) is not in the path of ‘totality,’ but will have a deep partial eclipse phase. Eye protection is required at all times to observe any portion of this!”
Learning in Leisure
The Learning in Leisure spring session continues Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, until April 23. This member-run group meets in the lower-level auditorium of St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, located at 1140 St. Paul’s St.
Each session has two guest speakers, with a coffee and cookie break between presentations to allow members and guests an opportunity to socialize in a friendly atmosphere.
■ April speakers and topics include: Tuesday: Kate Kennington (The New Peterborough Canoe Museum) and Aisha Ehouman (My Life as a nurse at Sick Children’s Hospital)
■ April 9: Si Grobler (The New Peterborough Humane Society) and Drew Monkman (Impact of Climate Change on Nature in the Kawarthas)
■ April 16: David Kuhnke (Electric Vehicle (EV) Society of Canada) and Yahaya Baruwwa (Author of ‘Struggles of a Dreamer’)
■ April 23: Mary (MJ) Hande (Health and Home in These Challenging Times) and Gillian and Ian Skates (The Story of Central Smith Ice Cream)
The cost was $50 for the entire session or $7 as an occasional guest. For information and a complete list of dates and speakers, visit learninginleisure.com or for further details email info@learninginleisure.com.
Messy Church
Kids of all ages, as well as parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours, are invited to Messy Church on next Monday at 5 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 463 Highland Rd.
In keeping with the solar eclipse that day, which will be over before Messy Church starts, the theme is “Jesus is the Light of the World.”
Admission is free and everyone is welcome for the crafts centred around light and lanterns, other activities, the lesson, a meal and lots of fun and fellowship.
Those who can’t make it for the crafts and lesson are welcome to attend for the meal starting around 6 p.m.
For information, send an email to sshea@hotmail.ca.