Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
May 08, 2003
Quirks and Quarks host, physiotherapist take part in S@GE 2003
The host of the CBC radio show Quirks and Quarks and a physiotherapist/professional wrestler will take part in S@GE 2003, the University of Guelph's popular science camp for grade 7 and 8 students. More than 850 students will participate in the three-day camp sessions from May 5 to June 13.
Bob McDonald, one of Canada's best known science journalists, and Teresa Piotrowski, a physiotherapist at U of G's Health and Performance Centre and a national wrestling champion, will participate in the Science at Guelph Experience (S@GE) modules.
McDonald and Piotrowski have been chosen as important role models to promote a passion for science and a healthy lifestyle, said Gillian Joseph, a manager for program development for the Office of Open Learning, which works with faculty on the development of the camp's learning modules.
"There is something for every interest and aptitude in S@GE," said Joseph. "As well as learning about chemistry, physics and technology, students come away with an understanding of the impact that science and technology have on many aspects of their lives, from the foods they eat to the computers they use."
McDonald, who received an honorary degree from U of G earlier this year, has served as a science correspondent, reporter, columnist, writer and host on radio and television for 25 years. His books and video productions on science for elementary and secondary schools are widely used across North America. Piotrowski applies the rules of science every day in her profession and has been a member of the Canadian national wrestling team since 1998.
S@GE, now in its fifth year, is a residential science and technology program. Whole classes register in one of the 11 sessions. Participants get a full university experience; they stay in residence with their teachers and parent chaperones, eat on campus and experience interactive learning using university computer and laboratory facilities.
The learning modules are designed along the themes of the Ontario school science curriculum to promote intellectual creativity and a sense of discovery. The modules are developed by university faculty and are typically taught by graduate students or fourth-year undergraduates doing research in the subject area. Faculty from the university's six colleges and the Human Nutraceutical Research Centre are participating in this year's camp. Participants are able to use research equipment or resources that provide a practical "hands-on" approach to learning.
For additional information on S@GE, contact the Office of Open Learning at (519) 767-5000, or visit the Web site, www.open.uoguelph.ca/sage.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
