A family-friendly event designed to increase scientific literacy, spark curiosity, and give young people a taste of science programs at Kwantlen Polytechnic University drew hundreds on Saturday, May 13, to .

Among them, Justin Gu, 14, from Willoughby, who was trying his hand at a chemistry experiment in a KPU classroom while proud mom Lei confessed she would like to see him have a career in science.

鈥淚鈥檓 encouraging him now [to study science],鈥� she said, beaming.

Brett Favaro, dean of KPU鈥檚 faculty of science and horticulture, was pleased by the turnout for the event, which also involved the university鈥檚 faculty of health.

In addition to encouraging interest in science in young people, Favaro viewed the event as an opportunity for the university to open its doors so the public 鈥渃an come see some of what we鈥檝e got on the go here.鈥�

鈥淲e want people to be able to get a great education right here at 91原创,鈥� Favaro said.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very proud to be in 91原创, to be 91原创鈥檚 university.鈥�

Participants were invited to identify DNA in strawberries, make slime and bath bombs, solve mathematics puzzles, watch a dancing flame show, make crafts, and participate in a science scavenger hunt.

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For adults, the KPU Brew Lab also opened its doors for tours and tastings.

鈥淚t鈥檚 small in size, but it鈥檚 state of the art,鈥� said instructor Alek Egi, who was proud to say than 90 per cent of the two-year program鈥檚 graduates find employment.

鈥淭hey [often] already have jobs waiting for them,鈥� Egi told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淏ut even while they鈥檙e in the program some of them do work part-time in the industry.鈥�

Science Rendezvous, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing research and science experiences to the public, happens during Science Odyssey, a national campaign from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) that celebrates Canadian achievements in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

More photos from the day can be viewed online at the .

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