About Science Rendezvous
Science Rendezvous is a free, Canada-wide festival that brings science out of the lab and into the streets. Professional scientists invite members of the public to learn, ask questions, and get their hands on real science. Activities include presentations, demonstrations, and chances for kids—and their grown-ups!—to participate in exciting, interactive STEM experiences. Science Rendezvous demonstrates that science is not a noun, but a verb: an active, engaging process that involves curiosity, exploration, and experimentation.
Science Rendezvous began in 2008, at four Canadian universities. By 2019, the event had grown to 25 sites across the country, and from 15,000 participants to more than 215,000. Connecting “regular” people to researchers working at the forefront of scientific discovery, Science Rendezvous demonstrates that innovation is about collaboration… and that it’s also really fun!
Partnered with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Science Rendezvous acts as the kick-off festival for NSERC’s annual science and technology celebration, Science Odyssey. Science Rendezvous happens the day before Mother’s Day and is a fun-filled voyage of discovery for the whole family.
The Canada Wide Experiment
Science Rendezvous began its first Canada Wide Experiment (CWE) in 2013. In partnership with scientists from the University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada, Indigenous leaders and Science Rendezvous’s Northern Program, the CWE launched more than 35 high-altitude balloons.
The second CWE ran from 2017 to 2019. Student participants performed water quality assessments on 12 watersheds across Canada, including some in remote northern communities. The CWEs integrate Traditional Indigenous Knowledge with chemistry and atmospheric sciences surrounding land, air, and water quality, as well as the health of aquatic ecosystems. Visit sciencerendezvous.ca to explore the results!
The Million Tree Project
On May 8, 2021, Science Rendezvous will launch its third Canada Wide Experiment: The Million Tree Project! Why trees? So many reasons! Trees and forests:
- Capture carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change
- Help clean our water and prevent floods
- Provide habitat for plants and animals
- Cast shade and cool down cities
- Support human health, recreation, education, and spirituality
- Provide lumber, paper, and many other traditional and emerging forest products
The Million Tree Project encourages Canadians to join in planting, caring for, and conserving one million trees by 2030. Read on to learn more about the importance of trees and how you can get involved!
