Polytechnique's annual Open House gives the public a chance to discover the exciting, multifaceted world of engineering and research.

Amazing experiences and exciting discoveries were on the program this year, thanks to the array of technologies on display. These included Poly Poppins, a virtual city created by Polytechnique students that won the international Virtual Fantasy competition; the extreme microwave session, which generated plasmas, electric arcs and blown glass to the amazement of onlookers; and Photocello, the world's first fibre-optic musical instrument.

Visitors circulated between the booths, learning about Polytechnique's 12 bachelor's programs (including the biomedical and aerospace engineering programs exclusive to the institution) and its approximately 70 graduate-level education programs. As ever, the guided tours were a hot ticket, with visitors lining up to tour 25 laboratories in various departments.

Once again, the scientific workshops, integration project demonstrations, internships, exchange programs and technical societies attracted a great deal of interest. A highlight of the event was the all-new Oronos technical society and its rockets, a one-of-a-kind project in Canada. Team members were on hand to discuss the project and show off their two prototype rockets -- one of which (the aptly named Everest) can travel at an altitude of 3,300 feet (over a kilometre). Outside, the SAE Baja team treated the crowd to three amazing performances. Esteban V, the solar car, also received its share of attention, just days after winning the Environmental award at the 2010 Forces AVENIR Gala.

It should be noted that for fall 2010, Polytechnique again recorded increased enrolment at all levels, placing it second in Québec in terms of increases to university registration.

With Polytechnique's overall student population expanding by 9.6% (compared with an average of 3.7% across the province), it's clear that the institution's scientific rigour continues to make its reputation. Undergraduate enrolment continues to be on the rise, with an increase of 8.3% since fall 2009; while full-time registration in graduate programs rose by an impressive 13.7%.

(Photos: Normand Rajotte)