Those of you familiar with my posts have a vague idea of my aversion to science. For those not yet in the loop, allow me to explain: I suck at science, which is why I support great events like the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run. On Sunday, May 25th at 9 am, runners of all ages will be winding their way around beautiful False Creek all in the name of BC’s young scientists. Since its creation eight years ago, the run has raised over $300,000 for the Dr. Michael Smith Endowment Fund, giving schools the opportunity to develop and maintain stellar Science Fair programs. The number of participants has more than doubled since its inception and you can join in at the starting line outside TELUS World of Science. Not only do you get out for a good run to raise young minds, you also get a sweet t-shirt and the chance to win some great prizes. But the best part? Free admission to Science World from 11 am to 6 pm! There’s more, so click on!

Gone are the days of second rate Science Fair projects. In grade five I did mine on “Domes and Arches.” It was crap. I had a lacklustre experiment that followed a less than enthusiastic presentation, all backed by a really ugly Bristol board.

BC has developed its Science Fair program to become one of the top ones in Canada. With over 60,000 students from more than 800 schools participating every year, these Fairs have reached epic proportions. And companies are taking notice, investing in events like the Science Fair Fun Run to gather funds that support students in their scientific endeavours. On May 10th, 71 BC kids were flown to our nation’s capital to compete against more than 400 other students in the Canada Wide Science Fair, something that would not have been possible without these funds.

With project titles like “Is Pomegranate Juice the Cure?” and “The Mechanics of Bioplastics,” kids these days are coming up with incredible ideas for their projects, and putting a ton of work into them. Prep for my experiment involved cutting egg shells in half and seeing how many text books I could pile on top before one of the shells cracked (27 for those who are interested). Somehow this pales in comparison to “examining the cell viability, proliferation and morphology of breast carcinoma cells” like our pomegranate juice friend did. Ok, you win the white lab coat.

Events like the Science Fair Fun Run are crucial in developing science programs in our schools, and motivating our youth to aspire to reach their full potential. Learning outside the book is the key to reinforcing concepts taught in class and generating kids’ interest in science. Why do you think everyone gets excited when it’s lab day and cringes when it comes time to read the chapter on combustion?

Breast cancer, blindness, Alzheimers. There are tons of worthy causes out there, but in my mind, the Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment Fund is really one of the most noble. It’s a true investment in the future and offers kids the opportunity to experience, not just read about science. Besides, who do you think is going to cure cancer anyways?

Join me at the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run on Sunday May 25th. You can bet that I’ll be taking some time and checking out the kids’ projects afterwards to see exactly who I’m investing in. That and I really do want to know what the deal is with pomegranate juice!

To register an Individual, click here.
To register a Corporate Team, click here.
To register a School Team, click here.
To register for Mini Fun Run, click here.
To register for Mini Fun Run (no shirt), click here.

You can also download your registration form and mail to:

PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run
c/o TELUS World of Science
1455 Quebec St.
Vancouver BC
V6A 3Z7

Note: Entry fee does not include the processing fee. To view processing fees, click here.

Race Kit Pickup:

May 24th 12 pm to 5 pm
Broadway Running Room
1578 W Broadway, Vancouver

Race Day Race Kit and Timing Chip Pickup:

May 25th 7:30 am to 8:30 am
TELUS World of Science
455 Quebec Street, Vancouver

Team packages will be delivered to team captains prior to Race Day.
Please note that baggage check is available on Race Day.

The Race Day: Sunday May 25, 2008

7:30 – 8:30 am

* Race package and timing chip pickup
* On-site registration
* Mini Fun Run sign-up

8:30 – 9:00 am: Welcome and race warm-up conducted by Fitness World

9:00 am: Start of PMC-Sierra 5k Science Fair Fun Run

9:05 am: Start of Mini Fun Run

10:00 am – noon

* Awards Ceremony
* Entertainment
* Post-Race Refreshments

11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Free Admission to TELUS World of Science for Registered Runners!