Anna Dang (L), Hannah Parry (C), and Mackenzie Drefs (R) welcome campers to the 2018 Science Summer Camps. Photo credit: Michaela Ream
Science Summer Camp instructors are passionate and enthusiastic about sharing their love of science with our camps of future scientists. Meet the instructors of our Minis Science summer camps.
Anna Dang
Program: BEd in elementary education
Interests: I love to read. My current favourite genres are thrillers, mysteries, and retellings.
What do you love most about science?
What I love most about science is that there is always something new and exciting to be discovered and learned about in the world that we live in.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
Science is everywhere around us and as young children grow, there is a lot to explore and discover about our world. As a pre-service teacher, my goal is to create amazing learning experiences that will allow children to be engaged in and enthusiastic about the subject matter. I believe that my background in both science and education will help me fulfill that goal and be a good mentor to children.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
As a pre-service teacher, I wanted to gain experience in interacting with children in an educational setting. I thought that this would be a wonderful place to start and I'm sure the kids will learn just as much as I will. I enjoy working with children and observing their thought processes can be really interesting.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
There may be a ninth planet in our solar system that is much larger than Earth, based on observations about gravitational effects past Neptune.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I love pens and collect them. I have more than I really need.
Hannah Parry
Program: BSc, specialization in astrophysics
Interests: I perform with my former rhythmic gymnastics club for fun and I coach the sport while in school. I love anything active and outdoors: skiing, kayaking, biking, hiking-you name it.
What do you love most about science?
I love to learn new things and there is always something new to learn in science. I also enjoy the process of solving a problem and the feeling of accomplishment when it's completed.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
Innovation and discovery is how we move forward and young, enthusiastic minds are what will shape our future. This is why it is important we help encourage and nurture a passion for science at a young age. I have been fascinated by space sciences my whole life and can't wait to share my passion with others.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to be involved in the science community on an outreach level as well as an academic one. I am also looking forward to being involved on campus and get to know people with similar mindsets and goals as I do.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Nikola Tesla made some of the most important discoveries in physics in the early 1900's and all the while constructed every photo of himself to be taken of his "good side". He believed in order to be successful you need to look successful.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I competed for 12 years in rhythmic gymnastics and have traveled around the world to compete including Gwangju, South Korea for the Summer Universiade Games in 2015.
Mackenzie Drefs
Program: BSc
Interests: I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time outdoors.
What do you love most about science?
I love how science can be applied to so many aspects of our lives and relies on facts and evidence but also creativity and new ideas.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
I think it is important to promote science to young people to encourage them to discover more about the world and the way things work and hopefully foster a further interest in science to carry forward in their studies. Having passion for science and learning and wanting to share that is what makes me a good science mentor.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I believe summer camps are a fun and interactive way to introduce students to science which is something I am excited to be a part of.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
My favourite scientist would be Marie Curie who was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in 1903 and helped to pave the way for women in science.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
A fun fact about me is that I have visited Disneyland nine times.