Science Rendezvous Kingston will take over Slush Puppie Place next month

Since 2010, Science Rendezvous Kingston has captured the hearts and minds of kids and grown-ups alike as one of Canada’s longest-running and successful pop-up science, technology, engineering and mathematics discovery centres.

Hosted by Queen’s University, the free, family-friendly annual science festival will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Slush Puppie Place, 1 The Tragically Hip Way. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., take in some, or all, of the 60 booths featuring topics ranging from wildlife conservation to robotics and climate change.

“We don’t always think about it, but science and research are part of our daily lives,” said Catarina Chagas, Research Outreach and Events Specialist at Queen’s University.

“As a community, it is important to learn about how science can help us create a better world and solve challenges. Science Rendezvous Kingston is a great opportunity to connect with researchers, listen about their work, and ask them questions while, of course, having lots of fun!”

Queen’s University faculty members, staff, and students, together with community partners, will provide visitors with hands-on demonstrations, awesome exhibits, and fun experiments to inspire the next generation. According to organizers, this year there will be an Orca (Killer Whale) skeleton, a display of Leonardo DaVinci’s helicopter, an armoured vehicle, bees, a scale-model 3D printed house, and so much more.

An important subsection of the event, the Sensory Friendly Zone, offers neurodiverse children and their families a quieter, less busy space to explore. Tickets are required for this opportunity, and they are free. Interested families can pick up tickets at the Slush Puppie Place box office.

Don’t forget the popular Chemistry Magic Shows, and, for the first time, Science Rendezvous Kingston will feature The Great Canadian Invention Circus, a live show full of astounding facts and circus acts.

Last year, Science Rendezvous Kingston set a record of 5,300 participants — this year organizers hope to see even more attendees to help to cement Kingston’s reputation as a STEM city.

“I would like to say this: In the words of our 2024 proclamation, I’d like to thank the amazing scientists and researchers who make Science Rendezvous Kingston possible,” expressed Lynda Colgan, Professor Emerita at Queen’s, and Founder and Coordinator for Science Rendezvous Kingston, in an email to Kingstonist.

“You ignite our passion and deep appreciation for the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math; spark our curiosity by sharing fascinating activities to captivate our interest and encourage further exploration in STEM subjects and about STEM careers; inspire our trust in science by sharing with us how science works through problem-solving, design thinking and teamwork; encourage us to embark on our own journeys of inspiration, exploration, and innovation; and, empower the young innovators of tomorrow who will be at the event, the students who will become the visionary scientists, paving the way for a brighter future full of endless possibilities.”

Find more details on the Science Rendezvous website.