Crossing the Finish Line with Climate Quest

On Saturday, December 14, Future Energy Systems (FES) delivered our final demonstration as part of the Climate Quest exhibit at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton. FES had researchers on site for most Saturdays during the exhibit’s ongoing 3 month run. We were also present during the popular Sip and Science events for adults, Teacher Takeover night for local educators, the members’ holiday party, and as a guest speaker for inquisitive Science School students! 

Over 20 researchers, graduate students, and science communicators from FES presented hands-on demonstrations to the public as part of Climate Quest. Topics included dinosaurs and fossil fuels, batteries, human health, land reclamation, and more. 

What was the experience like for our team? “As the organizer of this program and as someone who participated in over half a dozen events, this has been an amazing opportunity to connect with members of the public of all ages and levels of interest,” said Valerie Miller, Outreach and Engagement Lead for FES. 

Carlo Bais, FES’s Outreach and Engagement Assistant, expressed similar feelings. “Being able to present my research to the public reminds me how important it is to engage and create conversations with the community about our climate reality. Our communities have always been part of the solution, and their participation is as important as our research.”

Maryssa Iacobelli, graduate student in professor Lisa Stein’s lab, enjoyed inspiring future scientists during her time at Climate Quest. “Combating climate change is going to be a collective effort, so getting to engage with young kids who may help with this in the future was awesome!”

"Participating in Climate Quest was such a great opportunity to connect with young students and the public to share knowledge from our field,” said Natalie Darrah, project assistant in the Climate Change and Global Health research group. “The exhibit provided an excellent foundation for introducing kids and parents to the topic of climate change and public health. Thank you Future Energy Systems for inviting us to participate!"

You might not expect to find the words “climate change” and “fun” in the same sentence, but when you see kids shouting with excitement, vying for a chance at playing Carbon Capture Pinball, it’s easy to see how this unique exhibit makes climate science accessible, interactive, and yes – fun. Climate Quest is open until Sunday, January 5, 2025, so make sure you visit before it’s gone!

TWOSE Climate Quest - 2024