News Archives: GPRC Science Open House
Friday, November 26th, 2010
The GPRC Science Open House on Wednesday, December 8th is an opportunity for hundreds of prospective students to explore various disciplines of post-secondary study in Science. Mini-talks and demo labs in biology, computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry and statistics are among the activities planned for the day. The event has been a fixture at Grande Prairie Regional College since 1981 when Dr. Som Pillay and his department colleagues met with high school chemistry teachers of the region to discuss collaboration possibilities between the schools and the college. Between 300 and 400 high school students are expected to attend. Students who are interested in the sciences gain a glimpse of College-level study, and also for the teachers at both levels to become acquainted. Attendees have the opportunity to explore the various disciplines of study in Science, to meet and talk with the members of the faculty, and gain a glimpse of what they can expect when they embark on post-secondary studies. Everyone is welcome to attend the GPRC Science Open House, where prospective students will have the opportunity to select from available sessions in the various disciplines. Department instructors demonstrate the sort of environment students may expect when they come to GPRC to study. The occasion also provides an opportunity for high school teachers to meet with GPRC’s Science faculty and discuss areas of interest and future plans. During the day-long event, there are several concurrent 20-minute sessions in each of three time slots, ranging from demo labs to mini-talks to a dinosaur display. Students can consider careers in the science professions such as medicine or pharmacy, in earth sciences such as geology and geophysics, in engineering, mathematics, research . . . the possibilities are countless. Many students who have participated in past years say that the Science Open House helped them to choose education and career directions. “Our Science students have a long history of exceptional accomplishment in their studies after their strong beginnings at GPRC,” says Susan Bansgrove, Vice-President Academics and Research. “We are very proud of our Science program, our highly qualified faculty and the achievements of our graduates.” For more information, or to make plans to attend, call the GPRC Department of Science, 780-539-2096.