Uko Akpanuko and Jason Kerr
Daily Herald
The Summer Science Camp for kids organized by the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina arrived in Prince Albert and stayed in the city for four days, from July 23-26.
The camp featured three science educators who took the children through different science topics, experiments and classes. The camp was open to kids between ages 8 and 12.
Camp educator Annabella Milne said this week’s theme was Cine-magic, so they focused their efforts on how moviemakers use science to create the unbelievable. Efforts included making slime, creating masks, playing with lasers and mirrors, fossil excavation, and making stop-motion videos.
“We’re trying to give them a taste of all different types of science, so maybe they find one that they really like and they want to pursue that,” Milne said.
“A really big goal of the Science Centre in general is to encourage that wonder and curiosity in kids, especially regarding science so that hopefully one day they can pursue it as a career.”
The Prince Albert camp is one of several held around the province aimed at promoting science. Milne said they try and give kids a taste of what it would be like at the Regina Science Centre, which many can’t get to for travel reasons.
“Regina is four hours away from Prince Albert, so it’s really important to try and get out to other communities that maybe aren’t able to make the trip and support their learning and their wonder,” Milne explained.
Milne herself is a product of the Summer Science Camp experience. She attended them as a child, and now works at the Regina Science Centre as an adult. She also graduated from university last year, and has started working as a substitute teacher.
“I loved the science centre as a kid too,” she said with a laugh. “There’s so many memories…. I think it’s very impactful for kids in our community, and that’s why we want to get to other communities.”
Demonstrations are a big part of the camp too. On Friday, the educators brought out the Van De Graaff Generator (named after the Inventor) to teach about physics research. Two of the Science Educators Raina Loch and Jordyn Keck carried out a demonstration using the generator.
Milne said the demonstrations are a good way in keeping kids interested and learning.
“Honestly, kids are kids” she said. “They are very excited about most things that we do. Obviously, sometimes things aren’t for everyone, but we have that variety, so hopefully we always catch them.”
Milne added that she hopes events like this one in Prince Albert will bloom, and leads to more support for local science centres, like the one in Prince Albert.
“Support doesn’t have to be really huge, just a quick shout-out or a nice review if you had a good time,” she said.
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
