National Engineering Week Focus On "Engineering for a Better Future"

By Tracey Horne-Pettipas

"Engineering for a Better Future", is the theme of this year’s National Engineering Week (Feb. 28-March 8). It’s a 10-day celebration of Alberta’s problem solvers; the practical inventors who use science and technology to turn ideas into reality, providing us with the research, innovation, and technological achievements that help make our lives easier, healthier, more productive and fun. As we approach the turn of the century, we recognize more than ever the many contributions engineers are making to keep Alberta strong and growing, and how they are inspiring a generation of young people with their insight and expertise.

National Engineering Week is an annual public awareness event organized by the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers, the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and provincial engineering and geoscience associations. Special events and activities are organized across the country to raise the profile of the engineering profession, particularly among students and educators. This year’s national honorary chair is Eric Newell, P.Eng., chief executive officer of Syncrude Canada Limited.

A special supplement to the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald is being produced and will appear on Feb. 26 to jump-start National Engineering Week in Alberta. The multi-page insert will highlight the accomplishments of APEGGA members, focusing on the economic and human impact of the professions. Expected to reach more than 700,000 households in the province, this promotional piece is supported by advertising revenues from the engineering and geo-science community.

APEGGA sponsors the Edmonton Science Olympics at the Shaw Conference Centre. The event will attract almost 600 elementary, junior high and senior high school students this year. Teams compete in problem-solving events that test the principles of science. If you’re in and around the Edmonton downtown area on Saturday, Feb. 28, (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) come on down to cheer on these budding scientists!

In Calgary, APEGGA supports the Odyssey of the Mind Competition. This annual event incorporates science, math, and other subjects to challenge students through practical applications of their school curriculum. It’s a provincial competition for students of all ages and the winners earn the right to move on to the international competition in the U.S.

Throughout the province, APEGGA volunteers will be visiting classrooms to talk about engineering and the geosciences, organizing mall displays and working with other science-based organizations to promote the professions. The association also runs advertising in local papers in support of branch events and activities.

For further information or to find out how you can get involved, contact APEGGA’s Public Affairs Officers, Marissa Lee in Edmonton at 780) 426-3990 or 1-800-661-7020 (toll free in Alberta), or Tracey Horne-Pettipas in Calgary at (403) 262-7714. E-mail: email@apegga.org

Cyber surfers will also be able to download the latest news for students, teachers and parents on the new APEGGA Mega Page website. It features hands-on science activities, cool links to other science sites and the latest news on the Association's extensive student outreach program and communications initiatives aimed at raising the profile of the professions, particularly among young people. Effective Feb. 28, you can check out the new site at http://www. apegga.org/science