For those that work on campus over the summer, Science Summer Camp students on campus are a familiar sight. But while camps aren’t possible this year due to COVID-19, our Science Summer Camp leaders have gone to great lengths to make sure the Faculty of Science is able to bring science summer fun online with new miniature online courses.
Over the past few months, our camp leaders—who are all University of Alberta students—have been hard at work preparing videos, online activities, and organizing material into accessible online courses for future scientists and their families. Five low-cost online courses have launched, covering animals, dinosaurs, geology, Minecraft, and space, and are designed primarily for Grades 4 to 6, to be completed at the learner’s own pace and at whatever time fits their schedule best.
The courses feature content videos on science topics, interviews with camp leaders and researchers, activities that can be replicated at home with a small amount of household materials, and online learning tools and quizzes to test knowledge of the subject.
Putting all that science content together takes no small amount of work, and our camp leaders have risen to the challenge. Join us in meeting the 2020 Science Summer Camp leaders.
Dalton Ronan
Camp leader Dalton Ronan.
What program are you in? What year of study?
I’m in the first year of an after degree in the Department of Computing Science.
What are some of your interests or hobbies?
Space and astronomy, computing science, music, camping, and fishing.
What do you love most about science?
I love that there's always more to know! When science uncovers an answer, it usually uncovers more questions too!
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people?
I think science teaches valuable lessons on critical thinking and problem solving, as well as encourages curiosity and creativity. This is why I think an appreciation and understanding of science is important for everyone, not just scientists.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
They are a great way for me to stay involved with the faculty and fields that I'm passionate about throughout the summer, and they allow me to share that passion with others. That's what keeps me coming back.
Online summer camps are a bit different than previous years—but offer safe and accessible summer science learning. What are you most excited for campers to see from the online courses?
I'm excited for campers to see that science doesn't always have to be done in a lab. There are ways to explore, experiment, and learn about the universe around you right from your own home!
How have you been spending your time during COVID-19 physical distancing?
Learning the piano, baking bread, camping, fishing.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I don't get brain freezes. Ever.
Julia Lawlor
Camp leader Julia Lawlor.
What program are you in? What year of study?
I recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc in honors physiology.
What are some of your interests or hobbies?
I grew up dancing, and I still enjoy taking or teaching the occasional class. In the summer months I like to go camping as often as I can. But since I've been spending more time at home this year, I've been enjoying doing yoga and puzzles.
What do you love most about science?
I love how science is all about discovery. Just about everything we know about the world is thanks to science—from psychology, to product formulation and space exploration, and everything in between!
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people?
I think it is important to promote science to young people because they are our future. There are so many different fields of science, and so much more to be discovered in all of them. Science is essential to bettering our world, whether it be fighting climate change or making advancements in medicine, or anything else. It can also be very fun and exciting, and I want young people with a curiosity for science to have good experiences with it.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
Science Summer Camps always do an excellent job of getting young people excited about science while learning a ton of valuable knowledge. They are always very well run, and I was excited to be a part of the new delivery format this year.
What are you most excited for campers to see from the online courses?
I am excited for campers to see that you don't need a ton of resources to quench your curiosity and learn new things! Science can be learned anywhere at any time, and there are a ton of fun activities that you can do at home with very little supplies.
How have you been spending your time during COVID-19 physical distancing?
To maintain physical distancing during COVID-19, I have been trying out new ways to stay connected with friends. I have really enjoyed connecting over video chat. It is also fun to do an activity while virtually connected, like doing a virtual paint night.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I will be moving to Australia early next year (hopefully, if the pandemic situation allows it) to begin my graduate studies.
Allex Rumbles
Camp leader Allex Rumbles.
What program are you in? What year of study?
I recently graduated from my bachelor of education (after-degree) in secondary education in the Faculty of Education .
What are some of your interests or hobbies?
Skiing, hiking, travelling, and coding.
What do you love most about science?
What I love most about science is that it helps us to understand the world around us and find new and exciting ways to approach and solve problems.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people?
I believe it is important to promote science to young people because science and technology are a huge part of everything we do, and learning about science helps you to develop skills that are beneficial in many areas. Science isn’t just something we study in a classroom, but is the practice of exploring, discovering, and problem solving.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I have worked with Science Summer Camps for the past four years to share my love of learning and passion for science education with others, and to find creative ways to engage students. Every summer has been an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience.
What are you most excited for campers to see from the online courses?
All of the activities in the online courses require few materials and ensure that campers can learn science right in their own backyards, any time they want.
How have you been spending your time during COVID-19 physical distancing?
I go for lots of runs and walks in the River Valley and have listened to countless audiobooks and podcasts.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I am moving to the United Kingdom at the end of the summer to teach computing science.