Welcome to the STEAM Education Centre 2022/2023 school year workshop brochure!
For the last six years we have welcomed over 10,000 students to our Centre and we look forward to having you join us. Over the last couple of years things have changed in the world of education and as leaders in combining creative confidence with STEM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) skills we know that we can offer exemplary skill building for your class. Sign up your K-8 class today for either in person learning at our Centre or save the bus funds and time scheduling and invite us to come to you. We can also meet you online virtually in either a synchronous or asynchronous format - whatever works better for your schedule.
Here are some of our frequently asked questions:
How does it work?
To order go to the main workshop screen and click the workshop of your choice, fill out the form telling us about your class and we will reach out to book the rest.
How much will it cost?
Each workshop requires a minimum 20 students for booking and costs $8/student for in person/virtual learning or $6/student for online asynchronous learning. If we are coming to you then a roundtrip .56/km fee from our centre door to yours is added. Yes you may combine classes doing the identical workshop for the same grade level. Once we have confirmed numbers we will send you an invoice that you can pay via cash, schoo cheque or credit card.
How long are the workshops?
The average minimum workshop time is 1 hour though most teachers find they like 1 hour and 20 minutes to really explore the conclusions and show and tell portion of our projects. Let us work with you to find the best arrangement.
We want to make the most out of our bus visit to the centre can we bring multiple classes of different grade levels?
Yes this is possible in a maximum of two varying workshops up to a maximum of 50 students. For example you could have one grade 3/4 class doing one workshop while a 7/8 is doing a different workshop. If you want to spend the full day with us then each grade would sign up for two workshops
I see pictures of the activities but how do I find out more about each workshop?
We are pleased to show you further descriptions below but please do not hesitate to reach out if you have a specific curriculum/teaching goal that you would like us to try and include.
Workshop Descriptions:
CODING is available for Grades 1-8
Choose from three amazing coding virtual workshops!
Intro to Coding:
Grade 1-8 - Primary and junior level students learn all the basics of block coding in this workshop. Programmers use coding instruction “blocks” to construct animated stories and games. It's an entry-level activity, where students can gain a foundation in computational thinking through visuals. Mastered block based coding? Ask us in advance about adapting for senior level student with a workshop focused on written code. For grades 1&2 more focus on computational thinking will be explored with non computer coding activities.
A-Mazing Ozobots:
Grade 1-8- Already know how to code? Let’s show you some fun ways to use coding skills to create your own colour coded mazes for the ozobot to travel through. (Hardware not included) If you book in our centre or we come to you we can bring the ozobots for use but if you are booking virtually you will need access to your own ozobots. Note many school boards now have a lending library of these items.
Fun with Micro:bits:
Grade 1-8- The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world. In this workshop you will learn how computers work and get to design your own program to see how to make the microbit react. This workshop is perfect for classrooms that have microbits on hand. (Hardware not included). If you book in our centre or we come to you we can bring the micro:bits for use but if you are booking virtually you will need access to your own. Note many school boards now have a lending library of these items.
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
(Gr. K-3)*
Learn about building strong and stable structures by making your own versions of the Three Little Pigs houses! Except, we are going to make ours stronger! At the end, you will compare our 3 structures to discover what makes them so strong. Then, we will put them to the test in with your very own Big Bad Wolf mini vortex canon or try it against a simulated flood, earthquake, hurricane, and giant alien attack!
While you're building, consider the pros and cons of each material you're using!
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
*may contain latex
SELF-DRIVING RACE CAR
(Gr. 1-3)* |
Vroom, vroom...Make your own self-driving pull-back car! All cars use wheels and axles, but our car is special because it also contains a pull-back mechanism! In this field trip we will look at mechanisms and movement. Mechanisms make things move using simple machines. These mechanisms include levers, inclined planes, pulleys, screws, and wheels and axles! A mechanical engineer or a mechanic gets to build and fix simple machines all day. See what it would be like to work in their world.
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered
*may contain latex
CRANK THE CRANE
(Gr. 3-5)*
We can control forces and movement by creating simple machines to perform specific functions. Today we will build a crane to lift and knock over objects. Cranes are a type of mechanical system because they use simple machines to move objects. The crane we are building today uses pulleys to move objects up and down, and an axle to pivot from side to side. Cranes involve a number of different forces to perform different tasks. To lift the crane, we will crank the knobs which winds up the crane's cables using the input force of pulling. This will produce an output force of the crane lifting. The crane will also pivot and use a magnet. Later you will get the chance to categorize these movements by their input and output forces.
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
(Gr. 4)* |
In the optics section we look at how the colours of lights can be broken down into what we call a wavelength spectrum, which looks like a rainbow. We are going to build a spectroscope which allows you to see the wavelength spectrums of light, which can help determine what elements a light source is made of. This uses the properties of refraction and diffraction.
To explore acoustics we are going to look at bee sounds. Do you notice that bees only buzz when they fly? That is because the buzzing noise you hear comes from their wings flapping against the wind, which creates a vibration that travels to our ears. Have you noticed how a bee sounds higher pitched closer to you than it does farther away? We are going to build a Buzzing Bee to experiment with all of these differences in sound!
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
*may contain latex
CIRCUIT-LATORY SYSTEM
(Gr. 5-8)* |
Today we are going to make a circuit model of your circulatory system...
a circuit-latory system! Using electronic components and your own energy, bring a circulatory system to life!
Creating technology and devices that support human health is called biomedical engineering. This is done in all sorts of different ways like building prosthetic limbs, coding programs to help test vaccines, or creating electrical devices that make your heart work called pacemakers. Students will learn how to create their own circuit and discuss the role and similarities of human organ systems.
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
*may contain latex
TAKE FLIGHT
(Gr. 6-7)* |
Get ready to spread your wings and take flight! Students will learn about how things fly and complete challenges, compare flight tests and make some awesome designs along the way! Build up from paper plane, to paper helicopter to laser-cut foam glider! Then create a colourful parachute to get first hand experience of how air creates drag!
It will teach you about the amazing way things fly, building some creative confidence along the way and let you unleash your inner designer on the laser cut glider!
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
DESIGN-IT-YOURSELF AUTOMATON
(Gr. 7-8)* |
In this workshop students will be designing a flapping bird automaton! An automaton is a mechanical machine that helps us move objects in a predetermined way. For example, we would like to make a bird's wings flap. An automaton can help us do that without having to touch the wings!
Automatons are like the ancient ancestors of robots! Just like we program robots with code to follow a set of instructions, we essentially program automata with mechanical systems! The automaton is a system of simple machines and components that work together to perform the desired function. Pay special attention to the systems in the automaton we build today because at the end you will be asked to design your own!
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
Water is Life (only offered in person due to the nature of the materials used)
(Grade 7&8)
In this workshop students will explore the importance of water as a resource for all living things and how inequities around the world challenge access to clean and drinkable water systems. Students will design and build their own water filtration systems through the lens of representing various countries and analyze the success of their experiment based on their materials selections. They will also be provided with pretend funds and supplies to work out numeracy in budgeting, learn about Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the role of international governmental aid.
Curriculum Connections:
Grade 7: A1. STEM Investigation and Communication Skills
-use a scientific research process, a scientific experimentation process, and an engineering design process to conduct investigations, following appropriate health and safety procedures
Grade 7: A3. Applications, Connections, and Contributions-demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of science and technology, and of contributions to science and technology from people with diverse lived experiences
Grade 7: B1. Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World-assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the environment, and analyze ways to mitigate negative impacts and contribute to environmental sustainability
Grade 8: E1. Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World
-assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the sustainability of water resources
Grade 8: E2. Exploring and Understanding Concepts
-demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of Earth’s water systems and of factors that affect these systems
For the last six years we have welcomed over 10,000 students to our Centre and we look forward to having you join us. Over the last couple of years things have changed in the world of education and as leaders in combining creative confidence with STEM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) skills we know that we can offer exemplary skill building for your class. Sign up your K-8 class today for either in person learning at our Centre or save the bus funds and time scheduling and invite us to come to you. We can also meet you online virtually in either a synchronous or asynchronous format - whatever works better for your schedule.
Here are some of our frequently asked questions:
How does it work?
To order go to the main workshop screen and click the workshop of your choice, fill out the form telling us about your class and we will reach out to book the rest.
How much will it cost?
Each workshop requires a minimum 20 students for booking and costs $8/student for in person/virtual learning or $6/student for online asynchronous learning. If we are coming to you then a roundtrip .56/km fee from our centre door to yours is added. Yes you may combine classes doing the identical workshop for the same grade level. Once we have confirmed numbers we will send you an invoice that you can pay via cash, schoo cheque or credit card.
How long are the workshops?
The average minimum workshop time is 1 hour though most teachers find they like 1 hour and 20 minutes to really explore the conclusions and show and tell portion of our projects. Let us work with you to find the best arrangement.
We want to make the most out of our bus visit to the centre can we bring multiple classes of different grade levels?
Yes this is possible in a maximum of two varying workshops up to a maximum of 50 students. For example you could have one grade 3/4 class doing one workshop while a 7/8 is doing a different workshop. If you want to spend the full day with us then each grade would sign up for two workshops
I see pictures of the activities but how do I find out more about each workshop?
We are pleased to show you further descriptions below but please do not hesitate to reach out if you have a specific curriculum/teaching goal that you would like us to try and include.
Workshop Descriptions:
CODING is available for Grades 1-8
Choose from three amazing coding virtual workshops!
Intro to Coding:
Grade 1-8 - Primary and junior level students learn all the basics of block coding in this workshop. Programmers use coding instruction “blocks” to construct animated stories and games. It's an entry-level activity, where students can gain a foundation in computational thinking through visuals. Mastered block based coding? Ask us in advance about adapting for senior level student with a workshop focused on written code. For grades 1&2 more focus on computational thinking will be explored with non computer coding activities.
A-Mazing Ozobots:
Grade 1-8- Already know how to code? Let’s show you some fun ways to use coding skills to create your own colour coded mazes for the ozobot to travel through. (Hardware not included) If you book in our centre or we come to you we can bring the ozobots for use but if you are booking virtually you will need access to your own ozobots. Note many school boards now have a lending library of these items.
Fun with Micro:bits:
Grade 1-8- The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world. In this workshop you will learn how computers work and get to design your own program to see how to make the microbit react. This workshop is perfect for classrooms that have microbits on hand. (Hardware not included). If you book in our centre or we come to you we can bring the micro:bits for use but if you are booking virtually you will need access to your own. Note many school boards now have a lending library of these items.
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
(Gr. K-3)*
Learn about building strong and stable structures by making your own versions of the Three Little Pigs houses! Except, we are going to make ours stronger! At the end, you will compare our 3 structures to discover what makes them so strong. Then, we will put them to the test in with your very own Big Bad Wolf mini vortex canon or try it against a simulated flood, earthquake, hurricane, and giant alien attack!
While you're building, consider the pros and cons of each material you're using!
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
- Grade 1: Materials, Objects, and Everyday Structures
- Grade 3: Strong and Stable Structures
- Grade 2: Properties of Liquids and Solids
- Grade 1: Geometric and Spatial Reasoning
- Grade 1: Measurement
- Grade 2: Measurement
- Grade 3: Geometric and Spatial Reasoning
*may contain latex
SELF-DRIVING RACE CAR
(Gr. 1-3)* |
Vroom, vroom...Make your own self-driving pull-back car! All cars use wheels and axles, but our car is special because it also contains a pull-back mechanism! In this field trip we will look at mechanisms and movement. Mechanisms make things move using simple machines. These mechanisms include levers, inclined planes, pulleys, screws, and wheels and axles! A mechanical engineer or a mechanic gets to build and fix simple machines all day. See what it would be like to work in their world.
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered
- Grade 1: Materials, Objects, and Everyday Structures
- Grade 2: Movement
- Grade 3: Forces Causing Movement
*may contain latex
CRANK THE CRANE
(Gr. 3-5)*
We can control forces and movement by creating simple machines to perform specific functions. Today we will build a crane to lift and knock over objects. Cranes are a type of mechanical system because they use simple machines to move objects. The crane we are building today uses pulleys to move objects up and down, and an axle to pivot from side to side. Cranes involve a number of different forces to perform different tasks. To lift the crane, we will crank the knobs which winds up the crane's cables using the input force of pulling. This will produce an output force of the crane lifting. The crane will also pivot and use a magnet. Later you will get the chance to categorize these movements by their input and output forces.
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
- Grade 3: Forces Causing Movement
- Grade 4: Pulleys and Gears
- Grade 5: Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms
(Gr. 4)* |
In the optics section we look at how the colours of lights can be broken down into what we call a wavelength spectrum, which looks like a rainbow. We are going to build a spectroscope which allows you to see the wavelength spectrums of light, which can help determine what elements a light source is made of. This uses the properties of refraction and diffraction.
To explore acoustics we are going to look at bee sounds. Do you notice that bees only buzz when they fly? That is because the buzzing noise you hear comes from their wings flapping against the wind, which creates a vibration that travels to our ears. Have you noticed how a bee sounds higher pitched closer to you than it does farther away? We are going to build a Buzzing Bee to experiment with all of these differences in sound!
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
- Grade 4: Light and Sound
*may contain latex
CIRCUIT-LATORY SYSTEM
(Gr. 5-8)* |
Today we are going to make a circuit model of your circulatory system...
a circuit-latory system! Using electronic components and your own energy, bring a circulatory system to life!
Creating technology and devices that support human health is called biomedical engineering. This is done in all sorts of different ways like building prosthetic limbs, coding programs to help test vaccines, or creating electrical devices that make your heart work called pacemakers. Students will learn how to create their own circuit and discuss the role and similarities of human organ systems.
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
- Grade 5: Human Organ Systems
- Grade 5: Conservation of Energy and Resources
- Grade 6: Electricity and Electrical Devices
- Grade 7: Physical Fitness
- Grade 8: Systems in Action
*may contain latex
TAKE FLIGHT
(Gr. 6-7)* |
Get ready to spread your wings and take flight! Students will learn about how things fly and complete challenges, compare flight tests and make some awesome designs along the way! Build up from paper plane, to paper helicopter to laser-cut foam glider! Then create a colourful parachute to get first hand experience of how air creates drag!
It will teach you about the amazing way things fly, building some creative confidence along the way and let you unleash your inner designer on the laser cut glider!
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
- Grade 6: Flight
- Grade 7: Form and Function
- Grade 6: Geometric Reasoning
DESIGN-IT-YOURSELF AUTOMATON
(Gr. 7-8)* |
In this workshop students will be designing a flapping bird automaton! An automaton is a mechanical machine that helps us move objects in a predetermined way. For example, we would like to make a bird's wings flap. An automaton can help us do that without having to touch the wings!
Automatons are like the ancient ancestors of robots! Just like we program robots with code to follow a set of instructions, we essentially program automata with mechanical systems! The automaton is a system of simple machines and components that work together to perform the desired function. Pay special attention to the systems in the automaton we build today because at the end you will be asked to design your own!
Curriculum Connections or Topics Covered:
- Grade 7: Creating and Presenting
- Grade 7: Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts
- Grade 8: Systems in Action
- Grade 7: Number Sense
- Grade 8: Number Sense
- Grade 7/8: Patterns and Relationships
- Grade 7: Coding
Water is Life (only offered in person due to the nature of the materials used)
(Grade 7&8)
In this workshop students will explore the importance of water as a resource for all living things and how inequities around the world challenge access to clean and drinkable water systems. Students will design and build their own water filtration systems through the lens of representing various countries and analyze the success of their experiment based on their materials selections. They will also be provided with pretend funds and supplies to work out numeracy in budgeting, learn about Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the role of international governmental aid.
Curriculum Connections:
Grade 7: A1. STEM Investigation and Communication Skills
-use a scientific research process, a scientific experimentation process, and an engineering design process to conduct investigations, following appropriate health and safety procedures
Grade 7: A3. Applications, Connections, and Contributions-demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of science and technology, and of contributions to science and technology from people with diverse lived experiences
Grade 7: B1. Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World-assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the environment, and analyze ways to mitigate negative impacts and contribute to environmental sustainability
Grade 8: E1. Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World
-assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the sustainability of water resources
Grade 8: E2. Exploring and Understanding Concepts
-demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of Earth’s water systems and of factors that affect these systems
