Each of our camps are high-energy, hands-on learning, and include a broad exposure to a variety of topics in science, engineering, technology and math (STEM).
York University's Spark Lab Programs are week-long sessions designed for students in grades 9 to 12 who want more hands-on science. Using experiment-based learning, students explore physics, biology, chemistry and coding through lab work. Escape the traditional classroom and learn science by doing science. Programs run from 9:30am to 3:30pm daily, for four- or five-days depending on the week. Each session will allow participants to be involved in hands-on experiments, participate in mentor visits, and experience working in a university environment.
Research Spark courses are developed and delivered by graduate students and/or Professors and are based on the research they are doing at York.
The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is often used as a model organism to provide insight into human physiological systems because the “simple” insect system is considered functionally analogous to human systems. The fly genetics course will explore powerful molecular, genetic, and physiological tools to investigate biological systems. This includes examining the neuroendocrine system that regulates the renal organs of the insect similar to the mammalian kidney using techniques like the bipartite GAL4/UAS system to express or knockdown genes in a tissue/cell-specific manner. In addition, students will also explore other techniques, such as in vitro bioassays to measure urine secretions from the insect renal organs and physiological assays that can measure the percent survival from changes in genetics. Overall, this course is very useful in understanding concepts of animal physiology since the fruit fly is used as a model to study kidney diseases.
About the Instructor: Marishia Agard is currently pursuing her PhD in biology at York University. Her research focuses on invertebrate neuroendocrinology, using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) to gain insights into human renal function and diseases. Marishia has extensive experience in teaching lab techniques and STEM activities, having worked as a camp instructor, camp counsellor, and mentor for the Science Engagement Programs. She has previously taught the Introduction to Genetics course at the Science Engagement Programs Spark Labs, which covered molecular, cellular, genetic, and physiological techniques. Marishia has also served as a teaching assistant and is currently a teaching assistant coordinator for an undergraduate animal physiology course at York University. Her ultimate goal is to continue researching fly genetics in animal physiology and teaching students.
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Science Engagement Programs offer innovative and engaging programs designed to inspire youth and discover exciting topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Our programs use a discovery and inquiry-based learning approach with a focus on ‘learning by doing’. Our outreach model provides students with a chance to work in small groups on a variety of projects. This model helps foster problem solving, critical thinking, and an overall passion for STEM.
Testimonials about our in-person programs:
Jul 08 - 12. '24
Sentinel Park, Toronto, ON
4700 Keele Street 09:30 - 15:30
$440
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Recreational Instructional
Intense or CompetitiveGenetic Analysis: Bridging the Gap in Biological Understanding is run by York University; Science Engagement.
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