©Let’s Talk Science
When University of Winnipeg students Chelsea Lukawy, Chantal Cloutier, Shiven Shridhar, and Spas Nikolov finished exams this year, they headed north to volunteer with Let’s Talk Science, bringing a series of fun, science-related workshops to Duke of Marlborough School in Churchill, Manitoba.
“There were plenty of amazing moments while we were on this trip,” said Lukawy. “We are proud to give students in remote, rural communities the opportunity to learn how rewarding it is to study science, technology, engineering, and math.”
©Let’s Talk Science
The volunteer team worked with students to show them how fun it could be to solve challenging science and engineering problems. They taught them the importance of electricity while creating electromagnets, and testing insulators and conductors. They also took part in fun hands-on activities, such as making UV bracelets to learn the importance of skin health and sunscreen.
“It was really inspiring to watch students bond and work together as a team to solve scientific challenges,” said Lukawy.
©Let’s Talk Science
The virtual-reality workshop was a crowd favourite. Students took turns interacting with scientific equipment and computer-generated simulations, which Lukawy said felt exceptionally real.
“The wide-eyed amazement of the students when they got to explore virtual reality was something that really left an impact,” she said.” I am so grateful we were able to give them this unique opportunity.”
Through these activities, the Duke of Marlborough School students became more comfortable with the topics being covered. The volunteers hope that now, when they hear words like physics, chemistry, artificial intelligence, or engineering, their experience through Let’s Talk Science will allow them to make connections to these topics.
By the end of the first day, students were asking questions and getting animated about what they were learning.
“This was heartwarming as it showed we were able to inspire curiosity and leave a positive impression on the students and staff,” said Lukawy.
By using a hands-on approach, the volunteers were able to create an interest in science, in areas where many students were previously convinced it was too difficult.
“If we can spark a passion for even one student who didn’t think science or technology was for them, then we have succeeded in our goal,” she said.
©Let’s Talk Science
About Let’s Talk Science outreach at UWinnipeg
Let’s Talk Science is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science-, technology-, engineering-, and math-based (STEM) programs to support youth, educators, and volunteers across Canada.
UWinnipeg’s volunteer team has been nationally recognized for its science outreach work in Manitoba and across the country. University students interested in volunteering with Let’s Talk Science can email letstalkscienceuw@gmail.com for more information.
