The Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre welcomed students from Niji Makhwa School to The University of Winnipeg for the first annual STEM Day on Wednesday, June 22.
“As a team, we are thrilled to build on our STEM outreach with STEM Day, where we can engage many more youth and showcase many of our favourite activities with a few new ones added,” said Angeline Nelson, Director of Community Learning and Engagement.
More than 150 students in Grades 1-8 bused to the University and took part in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities throughout the day.
This day, Nelson says, was all about reaching communities that are underrepresented in STEM, such as Indigenous youth, so they can experience and develop a passion for STEM.
Event activities included a chemistry room, hosted by UWinnipeg’s Dr. Tabitha Wood and UManitoba staff and volunteers, with multiple activity stations; coding; dry ice experiments with UWinnipeg’s Dr. Russell Mammei; digital media creation using Procreate; a pop-up planetarium with Rocky McKay; a stethoscope activity with MLA Uzoma Asagwara; stop-go animation workshops; building a candy cell with Dr. Jens Franck; and much more.
“All nine classrooms of students were able to participate in four different workshops or activities throughout the day,” Nelson said, adding this event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of the facilitators, who volunteered their time and expertise.
Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre’s community outreach will continue in July and August during their annual four-week Indigenous STEAM Camp.
