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Very rubin observatory, Credit: Rubin Obs/NSF/AURA

Canadian Association of Physicists award

The Canadian Association of Physicists announces new award to recognize physics teachers at the secondary school level.

The Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) today announced a new award to recognize the outstanding efforts of Canada’s physics teachers at the secondary school level. The CAP Award for Excellence in Teaching High School/CEGEP Physics is intended to recognize excellence in teaching physics in Canadian high schools or CEGEPs and to further encourage and promote physics at this level in Canada. The award is sponsored nationally by the CAP, TRIUMF, Merlan Scientific, Perimeter Institute, Nelson Education, and Vernier, and at a regional level by the BC Innovation Council.

In his remarks, Nigel Lockyer, Director of TRIUMF, stated "The future of Canada rests with our students in today’s classrooms, for the country will rely on them to carry us forward. TRIUMF's goal is to enhance students' interest in the physical sciences and support those who retain that interest via their teachers. This award recognizes those special teachers who have inspired their students with their enthusiasm and love of physics, and we are delighted to join the CAP and the other sponsors in offering this award to Canada's most dynamic educators."

The award honours physics teachers in Canadian high schools or CEGEPs who possess an exceptional ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding, and can motivate their students to high academic achievement in physics.  Awards will be given annually in each of five regions in Canada: BC/Yukon, Prairies/NWT, Ontario, Quebec/Nunavut, and Atlantic Canada.  Nominations are open now, and are due by February 15, 2010.

Prof. Robert Mann, President of the CAP, noted "Almost everyone has their first genuine exposure to the wonder of physics at the Secondary School and CEGEP levels. With this new award, the Canadian Association of Physicists is proud to recognize the importance of quality teaching of physics at this level and the hard work put in by dedicated science teachers to ensure our young people get the best start in science possible."

Full nomination and award details are available online on at www.cap.ca

The announcement was made during Perimeter Institute’s 10th Anniversary celebration, the "Quantum to Cosmos: Ideas for the Future" Festival before a capacity crowd of physics enthusiasts of all ages gathered for a festival lecture.


ABOUT CAP

The Canadian Association of Physicists is a broadly-based national network of physicists working in Canadian educational, industrial, and research settings.  It is a strong and effective advocacy group for support of, and excellence in, physics research and education. CAP represents the voice of Canadian physicists to government, granting agencies, and many international scientific societies. The Association is an enthusiastic sponsor of events and activities promoting Canadian physics and physicists, including the CAP's annual congress and national physics journal. It is proud to offer and continually enhance its own web site as a key resource for individuals pursuing careers in physics and physics education. Please see www.cap.ca for more information.

About PI

Perimeter Institute is the world’s largest research hub devoted to theoretical physics. The independent Institute was founded in 1999 to foster breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of our universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. Research at Perimeter is motivated by the understanding that fundamental science advances human knowledge and catalyzes innovation, and that today’s theoretical physics is tomorrow’s technology. Located in the Region of Waterloo, the not-for-profit Institute is a unique public-private endeavour, including the Governments of Ontario and Canada, that enables cutting-edge research, trains the next generation of scientific pioneers, and shares the power of physics through award-winning educational outreach and public engagement. 

For more information, contact:
Mike Brown
Manager, Communications & Media
519-569-7600 x5131