National Engineering Week 2006 Ontario Events

National Engineering Week (NEW) will take place February 25 to March 5, 2006. In Ontario communities, the week will feature dozens of activities for all ages.

Watch for the NEW 2006 supplement appearing Thursday, February 23 in the Ontario edition of The Globe and Mail.

As more events and details become available, they will be posted here. Check this page often for additions and changes.

To find out about the events and activities happening in your area, click on the location nearest you:

Ontario-wide Events

• IBM Canada Ltd. Program
  During NEW, Ontario students and IBM volunteer mentors participating in IBM Canada's e-Mentoring program will continue their weekly online communication through a secure web-based environment. Their focus will be on engineering as a science and the broad range of career opportunities that are offered. One of the unique ways in which the students and mentors will focus on these areas is by exploring www.tryscience.org, where children, parents and teachers have instant continuous access to the best information and interactive experiments from more than 600 of the world's finest museums. IBM scientists created the site, which is now available in eight languages, in collaboration with the New York Hall of Science and the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Features include science experiments that can be conducted on- and off-line, field trips to science centres throughout the world, scientific news updates and real-time live web cams. It's the world's first global science museum. TryScience.org and its related kiosk program are a key part of an overall effort by IBM to make science and technology more accessible and exciting to children and classroom teachers. Science centres in Ontario that have installed TryScience Kiosks include Science North in Sudbury and the Waterloo Regional Children's Museum in Waterloo. In addition, materials developed by IBM for NEW will be made available to its employees for use in the schools where they volunteer. For more information contact Cory Philip at 905-316-1353 or by email.

Barrie Events

• 3rd Annual Simcoe County Mousetrap Vehicle Challenge - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, March, 2, Georgian College, Barrie Campus
  The Georgian Bay chapter of Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists challenges Grade 7/8 students, in teams of three, to design, build and test cars run solely by the power of a mousetrap. The top 20 teams compete in the finale with prizes awarded to the top three teams for speed, distance and design. A number of schools will be visited by Professor Technology to peak the students’ interest and creativity and give them general guidelines and ideas to build upon. For more information, contact Stephen Morley, C.E.T., at 905-936-9368 or by email.

Belleville Events

• Original Design Activity
  The Quinte chapter of Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists invites student teams of three from 11 area high schools to build a structure from various materials to be revealed at the event (Box A: rigid, Box B: elastic; Box C: other). The structure must support, hold or resist a load. For more information, contact Dennis Martin, A.Sc.T., at 613-394-3800 or by email.

• 4th Annual Popsicle Stick Bridge-Building Contest - 9 a.m., Saturday, February 25, St. Theresa High School, Great Hall, 135 Adam St.
  The Quinte chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario challenges Grade 4 to 12 students to construct a bridge using only 100 Popsicle sticks and white glue. Built ahead of time, bridges will be tested and awards given for strongest bridge and most innovative design. For more information, contact Don Hadley, P.Eng., at 613-394-9844 or by email.

  
  

Brockville Events

• 3rd Annual Popsicle Stick Bridge-Building Contest - Saturday, March 4, Kumon Centre for Math and Reading
  The Thousand Islands chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario invites local students to construct Popsicle stick bridges with prizes to be awarded for the strongest design in each of three age groups: 7- to 10-year-olds, Grades 9/10 and senior/adult classes. For more information, contact Peter Keays, P.Eng., at 613-283-2863 or by email.

Chatham Events

• Impromptu Design Competition
  The Chatham-Kent chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario hosts two impromptu design competitions: one for Grades 7/8 students, the other for high school students. Both groups will be given a task and materials to design and construct their solution to the problem. For more information, contact Angela Hastey, P.Eng., at 519-436-4600 ext. 2049 or by email.

Cornwall Events

• 5th Annual Popsicle Stick Bridge-Building Competition - Saturday, February 25, Cornwall Square
  The Upper Canada chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario plans hosts a Popsicle stick bridge-building competition for primary and secondary school students. Instructions and building packages will be distributed to the teams several weeks before the event. Spectators welcome! For more information, contact Guy Cuerrier, P.Eng., at 613-534-2441 or by email.

Guelph/Cambridge Events

• The Grand River chapter Professional Engineers Ontario celebrates Engineering Week 2006 with two activities.

  Engineering in the Classroom – all day, Tuesday, March 1, John McCrae Public School, Guelph
  Events will be conducted with four grade 5 and 6 classes in the gymnasium of the school. The first part of the event will consist of an interactive discussion about what engineers do and how to become one. The second part of the event will consist of a design competition using pneumatics to solve a material handling problem. For more information, contact Einar Skolseg, P.Eng., at 519- 823-0035 or by email.

• Engineering Week Activities for Kids – Stone Road Mall, Saturday March 4 & Sunday March 5
  Parents and kids are invited to design, build and be creative with fun engineering activities. Students from the University of Guelph, including representatives from the Guelph Engineering Society, Biological Engineering Club, Engineers Without Borders and the Gryphon Racing Team will showcase their engineering activities. Sponsored by the Grand River Chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario. For more information, contact Linda O’Loughlin, P.Eng., by email.
  

Hamilton Events

• Global Citizenship Conference - March 3-5, McMaster University
  Keynote speakers Stephen Lewis, former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and former Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF; and, George Roter, co-founder and co-CEO of Engineers Without Borders headline this weekend event. The conference looks at the environment, human rights, human development, peace and trade, and features a variety of activities, including an art exhibition, concert, workshops and panel discussions. Everyone is welcome. Cost for students is $35 and non-students $65. Complete details available at http://mcmaster.ca/gcc.

• Hamilton Halton Engineering Week Awards Gala 2006 – 6 p.m., Saturday, March 4, Carmen's Banquet Centre, 1520 Stone Church Rd. E.
  The Hamilton Halton Engineering Week Committee in association with the Ontario Society for Professional Engineers presents the 2006 Hamilton Halton Projects of the Year Awards Gala. This annual event celebrates the outstanding achievements of the local engineering community by recognizing three projects for their engineering excellence. Projects are from all fields of engineering, from the public and private sector, as well as both large and small scale projects. Tickets: $150 per couple; $600 per table of eight. Formal Attire. For more information, contact Ian Shaw, P.Eng., at 905- 318-7440 or by email.

Kingston Events

• 6th Annual Popsicle Stick Bridge-Building Competition - Saturday, March 4, Queen's University
  The Kingston chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario challenges local elementary school students and others to construct the strongest bridge possible using only 100 Popsicle sticks and white glue. Engineers and Queen's University graduate students will visit local schools and act as mentors to students. Entrants must pre-register and construct their bridges in advance using supplied materials. Bridges will be tested and prizes awarded in two categories: "Elementary" for grade school students and "Open" for high school students, adults or families working together. Winners will receive $50 and a trophy. Spectators welcome! Contact Brenden MacKinnon, P.Eng., at 613-384-2713 or by email or Doug Hamilton, P.Eng., at 613-389-9628 or by email.

Kitchener Events

• K'NEX Construction Workshops at the Waterloo Regional Children's Museum - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 25 & Saturday, March 4 and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 26 & Sunday, March 5
  Engineering volunteers will assist children over the age of six in creating wonderful structures using K’NEX, the popular colour-coded toy, on the two weekends of Engineering Week. Special features will include a bridge-building challenge. Workshops will also be held daily during March Break, March 11 to 19. The workshops are free with Museum admission. Location: 10 King Street, West, Kitchener. Call 519-749-9387 for information or consult the website: www.wrcm.ca.

London Events

• Drop-in K'NEX Construction Workshops at the London Regional Children's Museum - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26, then daily from Tuesday, February 28 through Sunday, March 5, also 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 3.
  Engineering volunteers will assist children over the age of six in creating wonderful structures using K’NEX, the popular colour-coded toy, during National Engineering Week (see hours above). Special features will include a bridge-building challenge. The workshops are free with Museum admission. Location: 21 Wharncliffe Road S., London. Call 519-434-5726 for information or consult the website: www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca.

• London Professional Engineers Ontario Chapter Activities
  The London chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario celebrates Engineering Week 2006 with a variety of special events and activities.

  Paper Airplane Toss Competition – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, February 26, London Boys & Girls Memorial Club, 184 Horton St.
  Almost everyone has made a paper airplane at some time, but have you ever wondered what kind of science is behind the power of flight? This is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about flight and to compete with your pet design. Will your design have the endurance for a lengthy flight? Will your design have the ability to land accurately? Come on out, bring your kids, have fun and find out. No need for reservations. All supplies will be provided. For more information, contact Neda Rahimi, E.I.T., at 519-472-9838 or by email.

  Engineering Week Kick-Off Luncheon – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, February 27, Hilton Hotel
  A distinguished guest speaker. London city engineer Peter Steblin, P.Eng., will give the keynote address at this kick-off event for Engineering Week 2006. Seating is limited, so reserve your table today! Members and public welcome. For more information, contact Ian Cheng, P.Eng., at 519-652-2104 or by email.

  NRC-IMTI Tour – 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, Integrated Manufacturing Technology Institute, 800 Collip Cir., University of Western Ontario Research Park
  The National Research Council and Integrated Manufacturing Technology Institute have a large presence in the University of Western Ontario Research Park. Many fascinating projects are undertaken at the facility. Come and have a sneak peek. Public welcome. For more information, please contact George Biljan, P.Eng., at 519-430-7048 or by email.

  National Centre of Audiology Tour/Wine and Cheese Reception – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March, 1, Centre of Audiology, Elborn College, University of Western Ontario
  The four-year-old National Centre of Audiology (NCA) features state-of-the-art equipment and a team of very dedicated research students studying how the human ear works. The tour gives participants a first-hand look at the facility and the work being done there. This event is for members only. Reservations required; space is limited. The wine and cheese reception is a networking event for professional engineers taking place at the NCA facility. For more information, contact Steve Beaulac, E.I.T., at 519-472-472-9838 or by email.

  Toyota Tour - 2:15 p.m., Thursday, March 2, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., Cambridge
  This tour, for Professional Engineers Ontario members only, consists of a 10- to 15-minute presentation about the plant, its history and manufacturing methods. Following the presentation, visitors embark on a motorized tram tour through the power train, stamping, body/weld and assembly shops. The tour concludes with a question-and-answer session after which visitors are welcome to browse. The total time of the tour is approximately 1.25 hours. Cost: $20 per person (including bus fare and refreshments on the bus). London departure 12:30 p.m., J-AAR Excavating Parking Lot, 31 Exeter Rd. (southwest corner of Wonderland and Exeter). Advance registration required. For more information, please contact Oscar Avila, P.Eng., at 519-633-6810 ext. 4510 or by email.

  Labatt Tour - 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, March 3, 150 Simcoe St., London
  Have your ever wondered what Labatt has done to address current energy issues. A plant our of this state-of-the-art facility will be followed by a stop at the Amber Lounge for sampling. The guest speaker is Barry Elliott, P.Eng., who is responsible for energy usage in all Labatt breweries across Canada. Cost: $15 per person. Seats are limited; register early. For more information, contact Stela Stevandic, P.Eng., at 519-471-8328 or by email.

• Guiding Exploring Technology - Scouting Exploring Technology (GETSET) - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 4, London Scout HQ, 531 Windermere Rd.
  The London chapter of Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists hosts a variety of activities for Guides and Scouts to explore technology with interactive displays, technical demonstrations and indoor and outdoor challenges. In the Bridge-Busting Competition, hosted in conjunction with the London chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario, builders will be able to test the load limit of their Popsicle-stick-and-white-glue-only bridge with the Incredible Hydraulic Crushing Machine. Participants must register by noon. Testing starts at 1 p.m., and the bridge that supports the largest load wins. For more information, contact Peter Nicholas, C.E.T., by email or leave a voice message at (519) 878-0942.

• Western Engineering Bonanza – 9 a.m., Thursday, March 9, University of Western Ontario, Spencer Engineering Building
  The Undergraduate Engineering Society of Western Ontario invites Grade 10 to 11 students from local schools to attend presentations and demonstrations of various aspects of the engineering disciplines and student groups. The day concludes with a design competition between groups of the high school students. For more information, contact Laurie Belgrave Sookhoo, Outreach Commissioner at 519-661-3609 ext. 83609 or by email.

• 12th Annual Bell-Old South Technology Challenge – Thursday, March 2, South Secondary School
  Teams of Grade 5 and 6 students from local elementary schools will converge on the South Secondary School campus for an event shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Two teams of three members each are selected to attend from each participating school. The teams assemble that day knowing only that each team will be given an identical challenge where, using limited materials and in a set period of time, they will be asked to plan, design, and construct a device to meet the challenge. No team has advanced knowledge of the challenge, bringing only ingenuity, cooperation and determination as the essential tools to be applied during the exercise. The day concludes with each team’s solution being evaluated with respect to how well it met the offered challenge in an always exciting and often surprising test cycle. For more information, contact Mark Chenosky at 519-663-7128 or by email.
  

Newmarket Events

• Design Challenge 2006 - 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Thursday, March 2, Newmarket High School
  The York chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario hosts a contest for Grade 7/8 student teams from area public and separate schools to build a self-propelled, self-controlled flying object with materials provided on site. Judging takes into account the ability of the object to follow a predetermined flight path and the “cost” of the device. Spectators welcome. For more information, contact Edgar Martinez, P.Eng., at 905-508-3202 or by email.

Niagara Falls Events

• The Niagara Falls Engineering Week Committee celebrates Engineering Week 2006 with two activities. For more information, contact Ed Dujlovic at 905-356-7521 or by email.

  National Engineering Week Luncheon – 12 p.m., Monday, February 27, Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls
  The Niagara Engineering Week committee invites local dignitaries and professionals to a luncheon, where awards of merit scholarships are presented to engineering and technology students. This year’s guest speaker will be from Strabag Inc., the contractor selected to carry out the construction of the Beck Tunnel Project. Cost: $35.

  Classroom Presentations - Various Niagara-area schools
  Pairs of Certified Engineering Technologists and Professional Engineers visit between 15 and 25 Grade 7/8 classrooms for a half-day of fun engineering activities.

  

North Bay Events

• Regional Science Fair Gala Fundraiser
  The North Bay chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario and the North Bay Regional Science Fair’s fundraising gala dinner heightens awareness of the importance of education in the areas of science, engineering, math and technology. For more information, contact Melissa Buelow, P.Eng., at 705-840-2504 or by email.

Oakville Events

• Engineering Career and Innovation Night
  The Oakville chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario in conjunction with Oakville Trafalgar High School presents a showcase of engineering and technology with a robotics demonstration and a seminar hosted by the local Global Technology Company, which specializes in industrial robotics for automotive, packaging and electric motor technology. The company’s battery-powered all-electric vehicle hopes to set a world speed record. For more information, contact Donald Belyea, P.Eng., at 905-339-0059 ext. 364 or by email.

• Halton Engineering Challenge 2006 - Saturday, March 4, E.J. James School, Oakville
  The Hamilton chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario challenges local Grade 7/8 students to design and build a robotic arm that transports springs of different sizes and shapes from one point to another. For more information, contact Bernard Amyot, P.Eng., at 905-662-7921 or by email.

Oshawa Events

• Popsicle Stick Bridge-Building Competition
  The Lake Ontario chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario and the Durham Region chapter of Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists invite Grade 6 to 8 students to participate in the competition at Durham College. For more information, contact Bob van den Berg, C.E.T., at 905-391-6107 or by email.

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology Engineering Week Activities
  UOIT celebrates Engineering Week 2006 with two activities. For more information, contact Aswin Pillarisetty at 905-231-9461 or by email.

  UOIT Open House – 9 a.m – 4 p.m. Saturday, February 25
  UOIT hosts an open house for all Ontario high school students. During the day, students can explore various booths. As part of UOIT’s Engineering Week activities, a booth will also be setup during the open house to inform students about Engineering Week.

  Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Competition – 9 a.m – 1 p.m. Friday, March 3
  All UOIT engineering students are welcome to participate in a Popsicle stick bridge-building contest, with prizes for the strongest design. Students pre-register for the challenge, and a ceremony will take place at the end of the day with the dean handing out the prizes.

Ottawa Events

• Drop-in K'NEX Construction Workshops at the Canada Science and Technology Museum - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Saturday, February 25 to Sunday, March 5
  Engineering volunteers will assist children over the age of six in creating wonderful structures using K’NEX, the popular colour-coded toy, during National Engineering Week. Special features will include a bridge-building challenge. Workshops will also be held daily during March Break March 11 to 19. The workshops are free with Museum admission. Location: 1876 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa. Call 613-991-3044 for information or consult the website: www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca.

• Ottawa Engineering Challenge 2006 Finale - Tuesday, February 28, Canada Science and Technology Museum
  The Ottawa chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario and the National Research Council collaborate with Grades 4 to 6 teachers to engage more than 2,000 in a problem-solving activity in which student “engineering teams” design and construct a Disaster Relief Operation Prototype (DROP) from readily available craft supplies and recycled materials. Volunteer engineers begin visiting the classroom in early February to help the students with their design and building work, and in-school competitions will be held prior to the final event. For more information, contact Frank Hendriksen, P. Eng., at 613-592-5995 or by email or David Dudzinski, P. Eng.,at 613 990-7444 or by email.

• Carleton Celebrates Engineering Week 2006
  The Carleton University Engineering Student Society hosts a variety events to celebrate Engineering Week 2006. For more information, contact Andrew Gonis at 613-520-3616 or by email.

NEW Mall Display - Saturday, February 25, Rideau Centre
Interactive engineering-related displays showcase how engineers help society. The display includes a number of projects by Carleton engineering students, who can to explain and answer questions.

Engineering Design Competitions – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 1 (Fenn Lounge) and Friday, March 3 (5041 Minto Bulding)
Students from local schools will take part in three design competitions at Carleton through out the week: Wednesday for grades 4 and 5 / grades 10 and 11 and Friday for grades 7 and 8. The winning team in each division will be awarded a trophy and there will be prizes for the top three teams. Students and accompanying teachers will be provided with a pizza lunch.

Pie Day – Thursday, March 2
This fundraising activity raises money for the Carleton chapter of Engineers Without Borders, a charitable organization that uses technology to solve problems in developing nations. Participants pay to have friends, family or professors “pied.” The pie recipient can accept the pie or outbid the sender. This, in turn, gives them the option of having the pie redirected to the sender or to someone else.

• Rehabilitation Engineering Open House – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Wednesday March 1, The Rehabilitation Centre
  Rehabilitation Engineering is having an open house to celebrate National Engineering Week and “25 Years of Caring” at The Rehabilitation Centre, including a slide show, posters and tours of the department by rehab engineering staff. For more information contact Patricia O’Neill, P.Eng., at 613-737-7350 ext. 75482 or by email.

• Engineering Endowment Fund Open House – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 1, SITE ATRIUM, University of Ottawa, 800 King Edward
  Interested in how concrete floats? How a helicopter flies on its own? And how $40,000 has helped engineering students at the University of Ottawa? Drop by and see what University of Ottawa students are accomplishing outside of the classroom. The Engineering Endowment Fund was established by the engineering students at the University of Ottawa to support student led projects. Student projects funded through the Engineering Endowment Fund will be on display and team members will be available to answer questions. Participating student groups include ARISE Team, IEEE, Engineers Without Borders, Engineering Student Society, Steel Bridge Team and Concrete Canoe Team. For more information, contact Phil Laliberté by email or Carol Mothersill by email.

Pembroke Events

• Bridge Building Contest - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., February 25, West End Mall
  The Algonquin Chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario will host a Popsicle stick bridge-building contest for teams of Grade 6 to 8 students from area schools. Prizes will be awarded for the highest strength to mass ratio and the strongest bridges, and lunch will be provided for participants. For more information contact David Wilder, P.Eng., at 613-584-4252 or by email.

Peterborough Events

• Engineering and Technology Challenge: Bridge Building – 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, Evinrude Centre
  The Peterborough Chapter of the Professional Engineers Ontario invites students from local high schools to design, construct and test popsicle stick bridges. The winner of the event will be the bridge that holds the largest load prior to failure. For more information contact Ryan Worral, P.Eng. at (705) 743-4000 or by email.

Pickering Events

• Mall Display - National Engineering Week, Pickering Town Centre
  The Lake Ontario chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario’s mall display includes videos and informative, interactive displays, such K’NEX for kids to build with. For more information, contact Leon Vandenhoven, P.Eng., at 905-644-1187 or by email.

Richmond Hill Events

• 3rd Annual Design Challenge - Construct a Bridge using K’NEX - 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Saturday, February 25, Central Library, 1 Atkinson St.
  Grade 5/6 students from York Region schools construct bridges. Judging will be based on team cooperation, bridge aesthetics and best weight-bearing bridge. For more information, contact Mervat Rashwan, P.Eng., ing., or Magdy Rashwan, P.Eng. at 905-763-2745 or by email.

Sarnia Events

• 2nd Annual Popsicle Bridge-Building Contest Finale
  The Lambton chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario hosts a bridge-building challenge for local Grade 5 and 7 students at Lambton Mall. During January and February teams of volunteers visit schools and conduct the actual bridge building. Designs are evaluated on deflection versus weight. The best design from each school will be tested at the finale and awarded prizes for the best design in each grade level. For more information contact David Murray, P.Eng., at 519-869-6683 or by email.

• Impromptu Design Competition
  The Chatham-Kent chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario hosts two impromptu design competitions: one for Grades 7/8 students, the other for high school students. Both groups will be given a task and materials to design and construct their solution to the problem. For more information, contact Angela Hastey, P.Eng., at 519-436-4600 ext. 2049 or by email.

Sault Ste. Marie Events

• The Algoma chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario presents three activities to celebrate Engineering Week 2006. For more information, contact David Spacek, P.Eng., at 705-942-2070.

Algoma Display of Ingenuity – Sunday, February 26 to Saturday, March 4, Station Mall
See what engineers are doing in your community. A fine example of engineering projects by local consultants is being displayed all week at the Station Mall.

Egg Drop Competition – all day, Saturday, March 4, Station Mall
Test your innovation by constructing a contraption with the materials provided to protect your egg from breaking upon impact after falling from the height of a one-storey building.

4th Annual Math Challenge – Saturday, March 4, Station Mall
Grade 7/8 students and Grade 9-12 students test their skills by solving engineering problems involving math. The two categories will compete for over $500 in cash prizes. For more information, email.

Scarborough Events

• Popsicle Stick Bridge-Building Competition –11 a.m., Saturday, March 4, Scarborough Civic Centre, Council Chamber
  The Scarborough chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario hosts a Popsicle stick bridge-building competition for teams of Grade 3-6 and Grade 7/8 students from area public and separate schools. Students must design and build a bridge with Popsicle sticks and white glue that weighs less than 300 g and can transport a matchbox-sized car across a “river” 500 mm wide. Prizes will be awarded based on the load-bearing efficiency of the bridge structure, the construction techniques used and the creative and aesthetic features of the structure. For building competition updates, please visit the Bridge Building Contest website - www.scarborough.peo.on.ca/events/20060304-bbc. For more information, contact Irene Liu, P.Eng., by email.

• 3rd Annual Interactive Learning Science & Technology Exhibits - Woodside Mall
  The Toronto East and Central chapter of Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists invites students from elementary and secondary schools in the GTA to participate in various interactive exhibits that build upon each other to teach progressively more complex scientific principles learned in class and show how they are applied in the real world through engineering. Location: In front of the public library, Woodside Mall, McCowan Road and Finch Avenue. For more information, contact Egbert Balthazar, C.E.T., at 416-297-1972 or by email.

Sudbury Events

• Drop-In K'NEX Construction Workshops at Science North - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 25 & Sunday, February 26, Saturday, March 4 & Sunday, March 5
  Engineering volunteers will assist children over the age of six in creating wonderful structures using K’NEX, the popular colour-coded toy, on the two weekends of Engineering Week. Special features will include a bridge-building challenge. The workshops are free with Science North admission. Location: 100 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury. Call 705-522-3701 for information or consult the website: www.sciencenorth.ca.

• 3rd Annual National Engineering Week Dinner - 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday, March 1, Collège Boréal
  Organized by Collège Boréal and sponsored by the Sudbury chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario a keynote speaker highlights the dinner, which will be followed by a student-industry networking period. Participants will include high school students and teachers, college technology students and faculty and various industry representatives. The event is designed to promote public awareness of the engineering professions and to encourage students to consider careers in engineering and technology. For more information, contact Stéphanie Leclair, P.Eng., at 705-560-6673 ext. 4321 or by email.

Thunder Bay Events

• National Engineering Week 2006 Challenge - Lakehead University
  The Lakehead chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario and the Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University invite Grade 7/8 students to participate in team design competitions organized by students in chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. The challenges include spaghetti bridge building, electromagnetic fishing pole building and egg drop and catapult competitions. For more information, contact Dr. Meilan Liu, P.Eng., at 807-343-8952 or by email.

• 3rd Annual Pasta Bridge Building Competition - Confederation College’s Aviation Centre of Excellence, Thunder Bay Airport
  The Civil Engineering Student’s Society of Confederation College hosts a bridge-building competition for local Grade 5/6 student teams. Prizes will be awarded based on mass to load capacity ratio. Lunch will be provided to participants. For more information, contact Joe Vieira, Dean, School of Engineering Technology at 807-473-3746 by email.

Timmins Events

• 2nd Annual Robotic Competition
  The Porcupine-Kapuskasing chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario invites teams of Grade 6 to 8 students from Timmins and outlying areas to participate in a robotics competition. Spectators welcome. For more information, contact Harvey Sefton, P.Eng., at 705-258-3931 or by email.

Toronto Events

• Drop-in K'NEX Construction Workshops at the Ontario Science Centre - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 25 & Sunday, February 26, Saturday, March 4 & Sunday March 5
  Engineering volunteers will assist children over the age of six in creating wonderful structures using K’NEX, the popular colour-coded toy, on the two weekends of Engineering Week. Special features will include a bridge-building challenge. The workshops are free with Science Centre admission. Location: 770 Don Mills Road. Call 416-696-1000 for information or consult the website: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca.

• French Classroom Presentations – Thursday, January 26 to Wednesday, April 26, Toronto and GTA French Schools
  French-speaking engineers engage students of French schools in activities and presentations. Interested engineers are invited to volunteer. For more information contact Mervat Rashwan, P.Eng., ing., at 905-763-2745 or by email.

• Public Library Career Talks – February 27 to March 3, Various Toronto Public Library Branches
  Engineering volunteers will give special career presentations and demonstrations to elementary school classes at 40 branches of the Toronto Public Library during Engineering Week. For more information, contact Julie Cohen at 416-486-0027 or by email.

• 2nd Annual Design Challenge - Construct a Bridge using K’NEX - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, Ecole St-Jean-de-Lalande, 500 Sandhurst Cir., Scarborough
  Grade 5/6 students from the public and separate French school boards and private French schools participate in building bridges. Judging will be based on team cooperation, bridge aesthetics and best weight-bearing bridge. Interested French-speaking engineers and engineering students are invited to volunteer. For more information, contact Mervat Rashwan, P. Eng., ing., or Magdy Rashwan, P.Eng. at 905-763-2745 or by email.

• M.I.D. Engineering Challenge – 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 28, John Buchan Public School, 2450 Birchmount Rd., Scarborough
  Mild intellectually delayed students participate. For more information, contact Josh Veliz by email.

• Ryerson Celebrates Engineering Week 2006
  The Ryerson Student Engineering Society hosts a variety of Engineering Week activities. For more information, contact Griffith D’Souza at 416-340-9400 or by email.

  Purpling – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 28
  This engineering tradition explains the history of the Iron Ring and the responsibilities of an engineer. Engineering students will be on hand to answer questions from the general public.

  Speaker presentations – 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 28
  Members of Professional Engineers Ontario and the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists give presentations to the public about the engineering field and the provincial organizations that govern the professions.

  High School Outreach Day – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 1
  Schools from across the GTA explore engineering at Ryerson University. The day includes presentations, demonstrations and an engineering competition.

  24-Hour Volkswagen Bug Push – Wednesday, March 1 to Thursday, March 2, University Quad
  Ryerson engineering students push a VW beetle around the quad for 24 hours to raise money for the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The goal is to keep the bug moving for at least 24 hours while trying to do as many laps as possible.

  Engineering Nooner – 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday, March 2
  This event brings together the local engineering community to discuss trends in engineering as well as issues that concern engineers. A special guest speaker addresses career developments in engineering as well as opportunities currently available in the field.

Industry Speaker Series – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, March 3
This event invites industry engineers from various companies to discuss with students ideal and current trends in their day-to-day work. Speakers also stress the responsibility that engineers face when dealing with projects involving the public.

• Engineering Innovations Forum - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, March 2, Ontario Science Centre
  The Toronto chapters of Professional Engineers Ontario and Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists host this year's event, which focuses on robotic engineering innovations in space, medicine and manufacturing. For more information, contact André Rudnicky, P.Eng., at 416-392-3009 or by email.

• High School Presentations - Richview Collegiate Institute, Bishop Allan Academy, Don Bosco Secondary School, Martingrove Collegiate Institute, Silverthorn Collegiate Institute, Etobicoke Collegiate Institute and Michael Power Secondary School.
  Members of the Etobicoke chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario visit local high schools to give career presentations and hands-on demonstrations. At some schools, students will use their own ingenuity to build “crash cars” using glue, Popsicle sticks, elastics and wheels. These events are not open to the public. For more information, contact Richard Weldon, P.Eng., at 416-964-3246 or by email.

• Engineering Design Challenges - Throughout Engineering Week, Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute
  High school and elementary students participate in various engineering design challenges throughout the week. For more information, please contact Mark Mueller by email.

• LED: Ladies in Engineering Day - 2 p.m – 5 p.m. Saturday, February 25, University of Toronto St. George Campus, Engineering Complex
  The goal of LED is to educate girls about science and engineering. Female engineering students and alumni will share their amazing experiences in engineering, as well as their unique perspectives on their particular field and work. Following the presentations, participants will be able to apply their knowledge to solve real engineering related problems through fun, interactive activities! Also, take this opportunity to meet some of U of T’s current female engineering students who will be leading the activities! This event is open to girls aged 8-14. All participants are required to register: visit www.prospective.engineering.utoronto.ca and select “National Engineering Week” for more information and to register.

• Designapalooza - 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, March 4, University of Toronto St. George Campus, Engineering Complex
  This action-packed afternoon gives both parents and students an opportunity to participate in a fun-filled engineering activity. Participants will learn more about the field of engineering, from current students and faculty members from the University of Toronto. Parents and students will also have the opportunity to work either together or against one another through an engineering design challenge run by current engineering students. This is a great day for parents and students to learn more about an exciting profession through the design various engineered problems! Of course, don’t forget it is a design competition – teamwork is essential! This event is open to students aged 8-14 and their parents. All participants are required to register: visit www.prospective.engineering.utoronto.ca and select “National Engineering Week” for more information and to register.

• “What is Engineering?” – Eight Toronto area schools and an IBM Toronto location
  A committee of IBM volunteers deliver half day presentation with activities highlighting how society is affected by engineers. IBM is working with school boards to arrange visits to at least eight middle schools (four classes each) in the GTA. The activity for 160 children of IBM employees is based on the “What is Engineering?” presentation, but features IBM-specific activities. For more information, please contact Genny Jon at 905-316-3211 or by email or Karen Loughlin Plut at 905-316-6169 or by email.

• Engineering in Climbing – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, Bishop Strachan School
  The North Toronto chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario will use the Bishop Strachan indoor climbing wall to provide an exciting experience for Grade 8 students which links engineering and climbing to their science curriculum. For more information, contact Stephen Davis, P.Eng., at 416-661-3400 ext. 207 or by email.

Waterloo Events

• Mall Showcase - 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 1, Conestoga Mall
  The University of Waterloo will be showcasing displays and innovative
  projects from several engineering student groups. Representatives
  from each club will be on hand throughout the duration of the day.
  For more information contact Marc Joyce by email.

Windsor Events

• Members of the Windsor-Essex Chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario, Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology, The University of Windsor and local industry are partnering to present the following activities on the theme "Disasters and Engineering". For more information, contact David McBeth, C.E.T., at 519-948-5000 or by email.

  Elementary School Essay Contest
  Students of local elementary schools are being asked to write an essay. The entries will be judged and the winners will be invited to the luncheon presentation to be recognized and rewarded. Winning schools will receive a book for their library.
  
  Poster Competition
  Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering Technology and Construction Engineering Technician students at St. Clair College will design posters and submit them for judging.
  
  High School Design Competition – University of Windsor
  The University of Windsor's engineering student society will hold a design competition in which student teams are provided with specific materials and compete based on performance measurements.
  
  Essex-Windsor Engineering Week Luncheon - 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 24, Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Ave. (at Tecumseh Road East)
  The keynote speaker Dr. Alex McCorquodale, P.Eng., will talk to students, technologists, technicians, professional engineers and guests about Hurricane Katrina. Awards will be presented for the elementary school essay contest, high school design competition, bursaries, Engineer of the Year and Technologist of the Year and bursaries for third year engineering student of the University of Windsor and an engineering technology student at St. Clair College will be presented. Public welcome. Reservations required and ticket sales are available in advance.