K-12 School Programming
At the Faculty of Science we have various departments and organizations that work to support the K-12 Alberta curriculum through engaging activities and programs. Whether you visit our campus or have the Faculty of Science visit your classroom, we try to showcase the latest research and inspire the next generation of science students.
On-Campus Offerings
Professional Development for Computing Science Educators
(Formerly CS4HS - CS High School Teacher's Symposium)
Department of Computing Science
The Computational Thinking Summer Conference (2019) is a professional development opportunity for stakeholders in Computer Science education in the Edmonton area. We will be discussing how to integrate various platforms into lessons, as well as providing opportunities to network with other stakeholders in Computer Science education in the Edmonton area. Sessions are designed primarily with Divisions II through IV in mind. While some sessions are targeted to a specific audience, teachers are welcome to attend as many sessions as they feel are valuable. All are taught by active teachers, professors or industry professionals
The Iverson Computing Science Exam
Department of Computing Science
Named after computing pioneer Ken Iverson, the Iverson exam is a friendly competition to test your Computing Science skills. Starting with problems you might expect to see in high school, the exam goes beyond and exposes you to problems that are a challenge to advanced undergraduates. The Iverson exam is hosted at the University of Alberta for High School computing science classes.
JAMES Math Circle
Department of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences
The Junior Alberta Mathematics for Eager Students (JAMES) mathematics circle is a group of high-performing junior high school students that meets weekly. Participants explore problems from various mathematics competitions from around the world and learn new problem solving techniques. All junior high school students (Grades 7-9, and keen Grade 6) interested in learning more mathematics and trying new problems are welcome to participate.
Math Fair & Unfair
Department of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences
The Math Fair & Unfair is a popular biannual event for elementary and junior high school students held on the campus of the University of Alberta. The Math Fair component of the event is hosted by Elementary Education students (teachers-in-training) taking our MATH 160 course. The MATH 160 students create and prepare dozens of puzzles and games, and engage with the children during their visit to stimulate problem solving and logical reasoning. The Math Unfair component of the event is hosted by graduate students from the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The graduate students invite the children to try a variety of two-player games and encourage them to develop strategies for playing well.
High School Physics Experiments
High School Physics Experiments is an outreach program for Physics 30 students. Teachers are invited to bring their classes to our labs, where students will perform three experiments.
Other Initiatives
Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (CMASTE)
CMASTE is an education research and development centre serving K-12 students and teachers. Education research is employed to create and test curriculum, instruction and assessment concepts.
USchool
U School is a program initiated by the University of Alberta Senate that aims to introduce and connect grade 4 through 9 students to the University of Alberta. Their target students would not necessarily have strong connections to the the U of A as they may come from socially vulnerable metro areas, Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) or rural communities are given an opportunity through the program.
WISEST Choices Conference
The Choices Conference began in 1991 and now brings up to 600 grade six girls together to discover the wonders of science, engineering, and technology for themselves. Teams of up to four girls from each school plus their teacher or principal spend the day at the University of Alberta.
WISEST SET Conference
The SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) Conference is a fun day that will show grades 10-12 high school girls that there is more to science than medicine, and more to engineering than bridge building. This full-day conference (with lunch included) gives students the opportunity to experience a real lab environment through hands-on lab activities.
Off-Campus Activities & Programs
Canadian Chemistry Contest
Is chemistry one of your strengths? Then test your skills and measure yourself against fellow students who share the same passion. The Canadian Chemistry Contest (CCC) is carried out in conjunction with the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad (CCO).The Canadian Chemistry Contest is for high school and Cégep students.
Alberta High School Mathematics Competition
Department of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences
The Alberta High School Mathematics Competition (AHSMC) is an annual mathematics competition for high school students in Alberta (students in junior high schools or in the Northwest Territories may apply to participate). The AHSMC consists of two rounds. The first round is open to all eligible students and takes place in November. Top performers in the first round are invited to participate in the second round, which takes place in February.
GAME in the Schools
Department of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences
The GAME in the Schools program seeks to promote mathematics and show elementary school students that math is fun. Graduate students from the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences volunteer to visit local school and conduct short (one hour) math workshops. Activities are interactive and hands on and promote discussion amongst students.
SNAP Math Fair
Department of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences
Are you a school teacher interested in inspiring and motivating your students in mathematics and having them become better problem solvers? SNAP Math Fairs do just that! SNAP stands for Student-centered, Non-competitive, All-inclusive, and Problem-based. SNAP Math Fairs allow school teachers to provide a meaningful problem-solving experience for all students, and they can be adapted to almost any curriculum and set of standards. The SNAP Math Fair philosophy was developed at the University of Alberta in the 1990's, and still is going strong.
High School Physics Talks
Physics professors travel to high school classrooms to talk about current physics research at the University of Alberta and to provide an initial contact for students who are interested in furthering their studies in physics.
Science Student Groups
Let's Talk Science
This student group provides hands-on science programming for K-12. LTS will provide a student volunteer for school visits during the academic school year. Request a free visit to your classroom, or contact LTS today!
Science FUNdamentals
Science FUNdamentals is a registered student group at the University of Alberta that aims to enhance elementary science education using interactive demonstrations. They have a wide range of activities focusing on subjects from buoyancy and surface tension to genetics and human physiology. If you would like to request outreach for a classroom, please contact Science FUNdamentals.