Bethany Wollin (L), Dalton Ronan (C), and Mark Laraya (R) welcome campers to the 2017 Science Summer Camps. Photo credit: Chan Rin
Mark Laraya
Program: BEd, secondary education
Interests: Music, movies, plant sciences, astronomy, chemistry, and musical theatre.
What do you love most about science?
I love the complexity that we see in nature and how we can study, observe, and learn from that. Of course, the fun experiments that I get to do!
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
It is important because everything has a scientific aspect to it and science can impact anything on Earth. Whether it is political, environmental, social, etc. Allowing young people to explore science allows them to have an open mind about our Earth and beyond which can lead them to success in the future! I am a good science mentor because I always find a way to connect science to my students interests and I am very passionate about teaching and I love when students get that 'aha!' moment.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I want to gain more experience in teaching especially teaching science which can help me for my upcoming practicum and my future endeavors in teaching!
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I can sing.
Dalton Ronan
Program: BSc, astrophysics
Interests: Astronomy, physics, aviation, music, and hiking.
What do you love most about science?
I love that science encourages curiosity and questions how things work. I love that it's ok to be wrong about something, as that just means there is more to learn, and that for every question answered, many more unknowns may be uncovered.
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
From lifesaving medical advancements like MRIs, to world wide communication via a handheld device, science is everywhere. Without a basic understanding or appreciation of this, improving and advancing our society becomes difficult. This is why I believe that having a scientifically literate youth is vital. Promoting science by demonstrating how fun and interesting it can be, and encouraging the natural curiosity children possess is the best way to ensure this. I believe I am a good science mentor not only because I love and have experience in the field of science, but also because I still have the same wonders and curiosities about how the world works as I did when I was young. Having the opportunity to share my knowledge, wonder, and excitement of the science world with today's youth is something I am looking forward to.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
Working with the Science Summer Camps is a great opportunity for me to continue to work with the subject I love, and share my passion and knowledge for it. It also provides a way for me to advocate the importance of science to today's youth, which is something I believe is very important.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I am made out of stardust (and so are you).
Bethany Wollin
Program: BSc, biology major, nutrition minor
Interests: Reading, making crafts, DYI projects, and the outdoors.
What do you love most about science?
What I love most about science is how I get to explore and learn about things that are going on around me. I love being able to take what I am learning at school and see how it is happening in my daily life. The world is so complex and it is really interesting to learn about the little details that I often overlook.
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
I think it is important to promote science to young people because it provides so many opportunities to learn, not only in education, but also in everyday life. I want young students to know that science isn't just something that you study in a classroom, but it is something you can experience anywhere around you. Science helps us understand how to care for ourselves and the world around us. It allows us to be curious and gives us the tools to make amazing discoveries that can lead to so many positive things. I also love to show young people how FUN science can be. Just because it's a subject taught in school doesn't mean it has to be boring!
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with Science Summer Camps because I love the enthusiasm that kids have and I love getting to have fun with them. I remember how awesome it was to go to different summer camps when I was younger and so I want to help kids have similar experiences during their summer. I get excited about science and so I love to share my excitement with younger students. They always have so many good ideas and they definitely know how to have a good time!
Tell us a fun fact about you!
Last year during the month of May, I was travelling in Thailand. I got to teach English in local schools, visit some Thai Universities, climb a waterfall, and even ride an elephant!