Supplied by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre…
Sault Ste. Marie (April 26, 2018): The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) welcomed over 1200 local elementary students from grades 1 through 8 for a day of fun science and tech experimentation, exploration and education at the 11th annual ARTIE (Advanced Research Technology & Innovation Expo). The event is one of SSMIC’s largest ever, and takes place during the week of the Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival, now in its fourth year.

ARTIE is held over the course of one day, with groups of students attending either morning or afternoon sessions. It provides students with an opportunity to discover science and technology in fun and interactive ways, and hear about the vast careers in these sectors from local experts. Students visit with three of the 14 exhibitors displayed throughout classrooms on the Algoma University Campus.

“ARTIE provides a fun and exciting opportunity for elementary school students to learn, explore and understand science and technology,” said Don MacLennan, Acting Executive Director, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. “We started ARTIE eleven years ago with the hope of sparking youth’s interest and curiosity in these fields, and engage with experts in the community to foster the next generation of science and technology leaders. It’s now our largest and most anticipated event for youth, and we look forward many more to come.”

This year will be the fourth consecutive year that ARTIE is a part of the award-winning Science Festival in collaboration with Science North and many other community partners. ARTIE was started by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre in 2008 to take place during the National Science and Technology Week in October. However, once the Science Festival came to be, it was an opportunity to integrate the existing event into the Festival at the end of April.

“A well planned and well attended event like ARTIE was a perfect fit for the Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival when it started four years ago. Since then, it has grown and has continued to help the science festival meet its goals of inspiring kids and youth about science, highlighting careers in science and highlighting local and current science. Science North is proud to bring its high impact live science show to the ARTIE event” stated Nicole Chiasson, Science North’s Director of Education and Northern Programs.

ARTIE is one of the largest science and technology innovation expos for elementary school students of its kind in Canada. The inaugural ARTIE in 2008 saw a total of 400 students, which increased year over year; to date, more than 6000 students have participated in ARTIE throughout the past 11 years.

This year’s exhibitors include Science North, Ontario Provincial Police, Solar Energy, SSMIC’s Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) division, Algoma University’s Computer Science Program, Entomica, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services, Ministry of Natural Resources, Invasive Species Centre, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, White Pines Robotics, PUC, Sault College’s Fish and Wildlife Program, and Maker North.

“The support from local exhibitors and our partners is incredible. Exhibitors are an essential part of the day, providing hands-on experience in areas such as computer game technology, fire services, forensics, solar energy, insects, local agriculture, robotics and more,” added MacLennan. “We are thankful for the dedicated staff who plan for months leading up to this event, and the volunteers who help make the day possible to ensure a safe and fun experience for all.”

SSMIC’s beloved ARTIE mascot is a hard to miss blue and white robot, who will also be at the Science Carnival as part of SSMIC’s booth on Saturday, April 28 at the Machine Shop – the last event of the week-long Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival. The Science Carnival will host a variety of fun and interactive activities throughout the day, an event for the whole family.

There is no cost to register for ARTIE, however attendance is by invitation only and schools have registered in advance to be able to participate.
For more information about ARTIE and the Science Festival, please visit: www.sciencenorth.ca/ssmscifest and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SSMSciFest/

About the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC)
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to function as a catalyst for economic development and diversification in the information technology and science knowledge-based sectors in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region. SSMIC’s mission is to drive business growth, facilitate research and commercialize innovation in globally significant areas of science and technology through partnerships, expert advice, community development, business incubation, youth outreach and sector development activities. Key SSMIC business divisions include Acorn Information Solutions (AIS), Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), C2C Business Support Services, YouLaunch, and UP Lottery and Gaming Pursuit Project. Visit www.ssmic.com.