91社区

by Phuong Hoang, Faculty of Science Communications Associate

This past September, 91社区 hosted Family Science Day on 91社区鈥檚 Downtown Campus, a free scientific discovery event aimed toward families in Montr茅al. A collaboration between 91社区鈥檚 Office of Science Outreach, , the (TSI), and , the event saw over five hundred people join the fun.聽

From interactive mini-habitats to parachute-making workshops, participants explored a variety of scientific topics, from biodiversity conservation to the speed of gravity. Families crowded around solar telescopes to view solar projections, while others engaged their creativity and built colorful spacecraft out of Legos. 聽

Parents raved about the event's inclusive environment and applicability to their children鈥檚 current studies. 鈥淚 try to take my children to museums so they can have a bit of cultural experience. But sometimes they don鈥檛 have the right spots for kids,鈥� said Beth, who brought her two children. 鈥淥ur kids have had a great time here. My son has a solar system test next week, so it鈥檚 perfect!鈥澛�

At the Science Outreach booth, participants engaged in interactive activities to uncover the hidden stories of trees. They learned how to 鈥渞ead鈥� tree growth rings, which revealed details about a tree鈥檚 life, such as its age and the environmental conditions it experienced. The workshop included a game to model tree rings, real tree cookies, and a scavenger hunt activity to connect participants鈥� learning to the natural world around them.聽

At the activity hosted by STEMM Diversity, participants explored the urban ecosystem on campus to uncover hidden biodiversity and see the importance of small habitats. Participants recorded "field notes" of their sightings, observed leaves and nuts from nearby trees up close with a digital microscope, and identified their findings using a field guide, all alongside diverse biologists who brought fun facts and stories from their own research. The activity included a "search like a scientist" worksheet, and participants went home with STEMM Diversity colouring and activity books to continue learning about both science and scientists' diversity.聽

Finally, the contribution of Physics Outreach and the Trottier Space Institute invited participants to experience physics phenomena in exciting new ways. Volunteers conducted captivating hands-on demonstrations that explained everyday scientific phenomena in an engaging and approachable manner. Demonstrations drew in children and parents alike, sparking curious questions and looks of amazement.聽

Science in the community聽

Family Science Day is part of 91社区鈥檚 work to encourage young scientists in the community. Events like this help ignite a passion for science in young children especially, breaking down sometimes difficult and arbitrary topics into more accessible and playful explorations of their creativity and curiosity. 鈥淭his event is one of the exciting ways 91社区 helps meet the needs of the communities we serve,鈥� said Jacky Farrell, who leads the Office of Science Outreach for the Faculty of Science.聽

"It's really rewarding to be able to engage the youngest members of our community in Physics and Astronomy through exploration and playful activities,鈥� said Carolina Cruz-Vinaccia, a program organizer and TSI Program Administrator, 鈥淲e鈥檝e had an amazing reception from the community, and the joy we see on the children's faces as they connect with science is what drives us to continue hosting these kinds of events and giving back."聽