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Parklands students showcase their skills

Parklands Community Showcase on March 1 features particle detectors, other fascinating projects
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Danny McCall


North Saanich physics students are part of experiments on a global scale.

“Parkland is the first school in B.C. to have the particle detectors,” explained teacher Andrew Roome.

The equipment measures cosmic rays using panels.

Danny McCall has a head start on his physics 12 course – he helped out on the equipment in his brother’s class last year.

“I’m really interested in the field,” he said. “I’ve already got some ideas.”

The equipment is detailed and research ideas limitless, but very technical, and best heard from the students themselves. Parents and residents at large can get that detailed description during the Parkland Showcase tomorrow, March 1.

The school will be bursting at the seams with displays, presentations and interactive projects.

“It really is a comprehensive display of what we do at the school. Most of them will be taking place in the gym so it will be easy for people to move around and see the different displays,” said Parkland principal Mark Fraser. “Our primary target audience would be parents of any school age children in our district, but the general public is more than welcome and encouraged.”

See travel photos from students’ Europe and Ecuador trips; make dehydrated snacks; have a bowl of soup and learn about Lewis, the school’s Kenyan sponsor student; check out the alternative music scene or take in a poetry reading. The options are as varied as the experiments on that particle detector. Alumni – such as Olympic sailer Eric Jespersen – will be on hand to talk about their experiences at Parkland.

“We want the community to know that the school is doing well, we’ve got amazing programs and opportunities for students,” Fraser said. “We want the whole community to know that we’re here and doing some really innovative and exciting things.”

Proceeds from items sold at the event will support of the school’s Kenyan sponsor student, Lewis.

The community showcase is March 1 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the school, 10646 McDonald Park Rd.