It all starts with a bang, as the University of Lethbridge officially opens the doors to Science Commons, Canada’s most advanced facility for scientific research and education.
WHAT: The Big Bang Grand Opening Weekend is a community celebration featuring exciting hands-on activities, tours, presentations, performances and opportunities to speak with Canada’s leading scientists.
WHEN: Friday, September 13 & Saturday, September 14
WHERE: Science Commons, University of Lethbridge
Schedule of Activities
Friday, September 13
9 a.m. – Traditional Blackfoot Ceremonies (Science Commons Atrium, Level 7)
Join individuals from across the community, together with Blackfoot Elders, as we prepare for the opening of Science Commons with a traditional Blackfoot blessing ceremony, including the offering of prayer with a pipe and the bestowing of a Blackfoot name.
11 a.m. – Official Grand Opening Ceremony (Science Commons Atrium, Level 7)
Join U of L representatives, government officials and community partners as we officially open the doors to Science Commons.
12 p.m. – Welcome Back BBQ (Science Commons Atrium, Level 7)
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited for a FREE BBQ to celebrate this momentous occasion and kick off the start of another academic year.
12 to 3 p.m. – Guided Tours with U of L Senators (leaving from Science Commons main foyer, Level 8)
Explore the incredible Science Commons facility and learn about the research taking place right here in southern Alberta. Specific times may be reserved, tours leave every half-hour and last approximately one hour.
12 to 4 p.m. – Community Open House (Science Commons)
Beakerhead installations and activations, presented in part by Brighter Together.
Activity Zones: hands-on workshops, demonstrations and displays with U of L scientists, scholars, experts and artists.
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – PUBlic Professor: 5-minute Edition (Science Commons BMO Auditorium, Level 8)
This fast, furious, five-minute version of our popular PUBlic Professor series showcases 21 different faculty members and the range of fascinating research at the U of L.
Saturday, September 14
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m. – Guided Tours with U of L Senators (leaving from Science Commons main foyer, Level 8)
Explore the incredible Science Commons facility and learn about the research taking place right here in southern Alberta. Specific times may be reserved, tours leave every half-hour and last approximately one hour.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Community Open House (Throughout Science Commons)
Beakerhead installations and activations, presented in part by Brighter Together.
Activity Zones: hands-on workshops, demonstrations and displays with U of L scientists, scholars, experts and artists.
12 to 1 p.m. – Chem Guys Show (Science Commons Atrium, Level 7)
Discover the fun and magic of chemistry with this explosive and interactive presentation.
1 to 2:30 p.m. – Jay Ingram’s Giant Walkthrough Brain Show (Science Commons Atrium, Level 7, promotional movie click to download)
Enjoy a performance of the award-winning Giant Walkthrough Brain! Part science, part art and part musical, the Giant Walkthrough Brain show features dramatic 3D animations and live, original music, taking audiences on a larger-than-life virtual tour of the human brain. Presented in part by Brighter Together.
Public Parking
Parking for Friday, Sept. 13 is available in Lot S (directly north of Science Commons) and is free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Pay and Park spaces are available in Lot N (end of Valley Road) and are a short walk to Science Commons via paved walking paths.
Parking for Saturday, Sept. 14 is available throughout campus, free-of-charge, except in reserved spaces. Lot S will be closed, except for mobility parking.
Media Availability – Jay Ingram (bio attached) is available to speak with media at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 in the Science Commons Atrium, Level 7.
Media are invited to attend all events and speak with University officials, government representatives, scientists and community members. Parking in Lot S (directly north of Science Commons) will be limited as it is open to the public on Friday, Sept. 13. All other lots are available as per your media parking pass stipulations.
For more information, check out this FAQ.
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Contact:
Trevor Kenney, News & Information Manager
403-329-2710
403-360-7639 (cell)
trevor.kenney@uleth.ca
@ULethbridgeNews
