OTTAWA— Throughout Science Literacy Week, September 19 to 25, 2022, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is offering a range of programs and activities, in-person and on online – with an emphasis on this year’s theme of mathematics. Math can be defined as the abstract science of number, quantity, and space. Mathematics plays a vital role in physical sciences such as astronomy or geology, and contributes significantly to biological sciences, medicine, psychology, technology, economics and commerce. The importance of problem-solving in learning mathematics comes from the belief that mathematics is primarily about reasoning and applying concepts rather than memorization. Globally, math is a powerful tool for the advancement of knowledge and understanding.
Science Literacy Week is a nationwide celebration of science in Canada and is led by NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada). It showcases the many ways kids and families can explore and enjoy the diversity of Canadian science. It’s about each and everyone’s unique relationship with science and how they live it.
OPL is excited to share fantastic programs of science, math, discoveries, and ingenuity shaping lives each day! You are invited to participate in any of the following programs:
Adults & Teens
- On September 20, at 6:30 pm, Stittsville Branch is spearheading Take action on climate change: calculate your daily choices & impacts. Concerned about climate change? It can be difficult to know how to take action. Join the City of Ottawa’s climate change team for this interactive workshop. This event is also happening online on September 23, 11:30 am!
- Learn about 3D Modelling and Programming with Tinkercard Codeblocks for grades 6-12 at Nepean Branch on September 20, at 4:30pm and Greenboro Branch on September 22, at 6:30 pm.
Did you know that math is involved in axe throwing? Find out all about it on:
- September 20, at 6:30 pm, North Gloucester Branch hosts Math in Motion: calculating the science behind axe throwing. Learn about the mathematical equation of axe throwing, watch video demonstrations and learn how to throw the perfect axe. Math in Motion: calculating the science behind axe throwing will also take place at Sunnyside Branch on September 22, at 6:30 pm.
Children
- Several branches will offer Let’s Talk Science! workshops—Rocket Launchers with Let’s Talk Science. Kids will launch paper rockets and test to see if a longer fuselage or the addition of wings in different places will affect flight!
- Maker Mobile will be visiting several branches to offer coding workshops! Try out Math & Coding: Count Your Coins for grades 2 and 3 at Greenboro, on September 22 at 5 pm, and Beaverbrook Branches. And for grades 4 to 6, Math & Coding: Calculate the Area Using Scratch at NepeanBranch, on September 20 at 6 pm, and Beaverbrook Branch on September 24 at 3 pm.
Scientists in School are bringing along more fun with:
- Colour my World at Centennial Branch on September 20, at 6:30 pm. Use colour to watch water defy gravity. Explore rainbows. Create a sun catcher. Use chemistry to create new colours.
- Science Meets Art! at Stittsville Branch on September 21, at 4 pm. Use shadows, colour, motion, and light to create art from science. Make a puppet, a spinning top, a kaleidoscope, and design your own galaxy.
- Investigate It! at Ruth E Dickinson Branch September 22, at 6 pm. Use forensic science to solve the mystery of the missing car. Fingerprints, footprints, handwriting analysis and more… Can you identify the culprit?
- Ewww… that Science is Gross! at Elmvale Acres Branch. Make “snot” while exploring viscosity, identify various animals from their poop and learn about digestion while burping in a bag! September 21, at 3 pm.
- Greenboro Branch will be hosting Mini-Makers: STEAM Storytime on September 20, at 1:00 pm. Experience stories and activities that support Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Ages 3-6 with a parent/caregiver.
- Alta Vista Branch is doing Lego Play, a bilingual event taking place all day September 19-22! Kids are welcome to play with Lego and find inspiration from building idea sheets.
- Rosemount Branch will also have all day programming on September 19-22! Visit the branch to play with Magna Tiles. Try a drawing activity using shapes! Take home some fun handouts featuring a scavenger hunt and a custom die.
- Check out OPL’s online programs to learn how to code a program that will allow you to calculate the area of any shape, or to learn about the basic programming concepts including creating sub-program and data analysis!
Find even more programs here! Visit your local branch to receive a Science Literacy Week Take Home Kit while supplies last! The take home kits include a puzzle for preschoolers and tangrams for school-agers. Make sure to ask for some Science Literacy Week handouts too.
OPL encourages all to attend Science Literacy Week events and participate in this interesting discovery journey of math and science.