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="Does Calgary have the necessary conditions to be a Renaissance City?=

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This is the overarching question that grade 8 students at the Calgary Science School are currently working to answer. Over the last few months, students researched particular areas of the Renaissance, including trade/commerce, religion/spirituality, and art/culture to ascertain what conditions, developments and unique features were present in northern Italy during the 16th century. After completing their research, the students have condensed their findings into a short presentation video- with the intention of demonstrating the particular conditions that led to the flourishing of the Italian City States during the Italian Renaissance.=====

Now that our students have gathered some expertise about the conditions that existed during the Italian Renaissance, they are hoping to build an understanding of the current conditions in Calgary, to determine whether or not Calgary might have the same necessary conditions to become a "'Renaissance City."

On the left side of this website, you'll see the different topics that students researched over the last few months. As you click on a topic, you'll be taken to a page dedicated to the particular topic, with the student-generated video at the top


 * Which bring us to your contribution.** As an individual with some expertise in how these elements exist in Calgary, we are hoping you will be able and willing to provide some insight into the large question our students are wrestling with. We ask that you take some time to (1) watch the student presentation on the conditions during the Renaissance, and then (2) provide comments on how that particular element exists in Calgary today.

Just to clarify, if your area of expertise in art, we are not asking you to comment on the conditions of art in the Italian Renaissance, but rather whether Calgary currently has the necessary conditions for art to flourish.

//**There are many ways you can present your thoughts back to our students:**//

(1) The easiest way to share your thoughts is to type on the topic page below the student video. To add your comments, click on the EDIT button at the top right of the page. This will now allow you to edit the page. Below the video (or below any other comments) you can type your responses to the students' questions. When you are finished, you can click SAVE to add your comments. If you wish to make changes, simply click the EDIT button again. Please don't delete any other comments that are already of the page - think of each page as a growing document that you are adding. As part of your comments, please provide your name, and title if appropriate.

(2) If you have SKYPE and are interested in having a skype chat with our students about the particular topic, we are able to facilitate that. To set up a skype chat please email neil.s@calgaryscienceschool.com to schedule a time.

(3) If you wish to visit the school and have a discussion face-to-face with our grade 8s, we would also appreciate that. The reason we have set up this site is to make it as easy as possible for local experts to participate in the study - without having to take time out of their schedule to make it happen. However, if you able to come by the Science School, we would still love having you!

We greatly appreciate your willingness to participate in this study.

We thank you in advance for taking the time to share your knowledge with us - we couldn't complete this project without you.

Sincerely,

The Grade 8 Students and Teachers at the Calgary Science School.

Rachelle Savoie: rachelle.s@calgaryscienceschool.com Dave Scott: dave.s@calgaryscienceschool.com Neil Stephenson: neil.s@calgaryscienceschool.com

** Taco van Leperen **, Programmer for Smart Technologies ** Pedro Sabarita **, Former Calgary Art Gallery Owner, Energy Consultant ** Stuart Crichton **, C.A., Vice President Kinnear Financial Limited ** Geoffrey Pradella **, Vice President, Public & Government Affairs Calgary Chamber of Commerce ** Dave Robinson **, VP and Chief Geologist Temple Energy ** Garry Mckinnon **, Superintendent CSS, Education Professor University of Calgary ** Terry Rock **, Calgary Arts Development ** David Scott, ** MEd, Humanities 8 Instructor Calgary Science School
 * List of experts who participated in our study: **
 * Neil Stephenson **, Curriculum leader, Calgary Science School
 * Allan Dyer **, Calgary Science Centre
 * Tod Hirsch **, Senior Economist ATB Financial
 * Brian Pincott **, City of Calgary Alderman for Ward 11
 * Rob Anders **, MP Calgary West
 * Laurence Abbott **, University of Alberta Instructor, PhD Student
 * Steven Engler **, Professor Mount Royal University
 * Candace Saar **, Galileo Education Network
 * Gord Ferguson,** Sculpture Program Head, Alberta College or Art and Design
 * Keith D'Eall,** Pastor, Varsity Bible Church
 * Zak Paschak,** Alderman Candidate for Ward 8, Calgary