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Gerstein Science Information Centre

Science Literacy

What is Science Literacy Week?

""Science Literacy Week annually showcases the diversity of Canadian science and the culture it's embedded in. Libraries, museums, science centres, schools and not-for-profits come together to highlight the books, movies, podcasts and events that convey the excitement and influence of science in our everyday lives.

 

It’s about each and everyone’s

unique relationship with science and how they live it.

(Excerpt from About Science Literacy Week)

Science Literacy Week 2023 (Sept 18-24): E is for Energy!

On-Site Events (Demos, Trivia, etc)    |  On-site Displays & Exhibits

 Virtual book displays


"You can’t always see it, but energy is everywhere. It can be kinetic, thermal, chemical, radiant or nuclear. It lights our cities as electricity, heats our houses through thermal radiation, and moves our bodies with chemical reactions. We need to be responsible, though, because not all sources of energy are sustainable. With its many waterways, Canada is a major producer of hydroelectricity, an example of a renewable source of energy. This year, we’re encouraging Canadians to explore energy, how it’s applied, and the technologies and processes used to generate it in all its forms". (Via Science Literacy Week)

Along with organizations all across Canada, U of T Libraries is exploring the theme of energy for this year's Science Literacy Week celebration from September 18-24, 2023. Participating libraries from St. George, UTM, and UTSC campuses will offer in-person and virtual displays, contests, trivia, and other activities to inspire you all week long.

On-site Events (Demos, Trivia, etc)

Join us on campus for the following events:

Note: Be sure to bring your TCard for easy entry (unless otherwise marked as a public event).


Robarts Library Quick Stop Energy Trivia  

Stop by Robarts Library 4th floor reading room to test your energy knowledge!  

Take a quick study break and quiz yourself on energy facts about Canada, campus energy-saving initiatives, and sustainability research happening at U of T!  

WHEN: Monday Sept 18 – Friday Sept 22 

WHERERobarts Library, 4th Floor Reading Room (trivia board will be located by the community puzzle table)  

WHO: Open to current U of T students, staff, faculty. 

No registration necessary. The trivia board will be set up all week – drop-by whenever you need a break!


DEMO: Come Talk Energy with Let's Talk Science!

We'll be demonstrating how to make an anemometer to measure wind speed, exploring concepts of electric cars through cool robots, and having a blast making rockets!

You'll also learn about volunteering opportunities, if you're interested in outreach activities for youth.

In partnership with Let's Talk Science St George.

WHEN: Mon Sept 18, 12:30-2 & Tues Sept 19, 12-1:30pm

WHERE: Gerstein Science Information CentreLobby

WHO: Open to current U of T students, staff, faculty

No registration necessary - this is a drop-in event.


Lunchtime Energy Trivia

Test your knowledge on all things solar, nuclear, wind, geothermal, and water energy-related.

Join us for some energy-themed trivia and spin to win some delicious snacks!  

WHEN: Wed Sept 20

TIME: 12-1pm

WHERE: Gerstein Science Information Centre, Lobby

WHO: Open to current U of T students, staff, faculty

No registration necessary - this is a drop-in event.


DEMO: 3D Printing Live!

Did you know that University of Toronto students, staff, and faculty have access to two 3D printers at the Gerstein Science Information Centre?

Learn more about 3D printing, watch one of our beautiful new MakerBot Sketch Large 3D printers in action, and find out how you can become a certified user with 3D Printing @ Gerstein + MADLab. Swing by for a chance to win a 3D-printed bookmark too!

WHEN: Thurs Sept 21

TIME: 11am-2pm

WHERE: Gerstein Science Information Centre, Lobby

WHO: Open to current U of T students, staff, faculty

No registration necessary - this is a drop-in event.


On-site Displays & Exhibits

Join us on campus for these fascinating displays and exhibits!

Note: Be sure to bring your TCard for easy entry (unless otherwise marked as a public event).

OPEN HOUSE:  Highlights from the History of Science Collections

As part of this year's Science Literacy Week, the Fisher Library is again presenting a unique opportunity to view some of the most important scientific books ever printed. 

Visit to a see a range of scientific works up-close: from a 14th century Latin manuscript of Euclid's Elements, through to Copernicus' revolutionary 16th century work on planetary motion, to the original 1916 publication of Einstein's paper that contains the general theory of relativity - along with some of the earliest works of chemistry, physics, medicine, and engineering.  We hope to see you here!

WHEN: Tues Sept 19, 1-6pm

WHERE: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, 120 St George St

WHO: Free and open to the public

No registration necessary - this is a drop-in event.


E for Energy Robarts Book Display

Shelf with books about energyLooking for a new book to read? Passionate about green energy? Come browse the Robarts book display - it will be up until the end of September, so be sure to check it out before it's gone! The books for this display focus on green energy, sustainability, green economy and so much more.

WHEN: Mon Sept 18 – Sat Sept 30

WHERERobarts Library, 2nd Floor (by the escalators)

WHO: Open to current U of T students, staff, faculty. 

No registration necessary. Drop-by anytime!

Virtual Book Displays

Take a look at these specially curated lists of energy-related books and ebooks available through the U of T Libraries collections. Happy reading! 

UTSC Library & The BRIDGE:

OISE Library:

  • Energy in Children's Lit & Curriculum Resources - Coming Soon!