Field Trips that Matter
Learn how Actua's girls program goes beyond traditional STEM environments to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning.
Innovative Collaborations Transforming STEM Camps in Northern, Remote and Indigenous Communities
November 27, 2024
Inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders requires innovation and a deep connection to the communities where youth live. This year, Actua expanded its impact with youth in over 40 northern, remote and Indigenous communities by showcasing amazing content from the World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada), Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Through our collaborations with these innovative organizations, Actua developed hands-on activities based on real-world challenges relevant to each youth’s community. By connecting science learning to local contexts, youth can envision themselves as future leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Ocean Networks Canada: Exploring the Arctic with HROVs
Through Actua’s collaboration with Ocean Networks Canada, youth had the opportunity to delve into the world of remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) and deep-sea exploration, focusing on hydrothermal vent ecosystems and Arctic waters. The youth learned to design and operate ROVs, simulating the same methods used by scientists to explore Canada’s unique underwater environments in the Arctic.
“Activities like these ignite the spark for youth to see the vast and exciting opportunities in ocean sciences. All of the STEM fields come together in order to explore and understand the ocean, from operating ocean robots to understanding marine ecosystems and more.” – Lauren Hudson, K-12 Education Coordinator, Ocean Networks Canada
This hands-on activity allowed youth to see how ROV technology is applied to monitor marine ecosystems, offering them real-world insights into the effects of climate change on the Arctic’s fragile waters.
At an end-of-week open house in Fort McKay, Alberta, one of the campers proudly brought their sibling to see everything they had worked on throughout the STEM camp. They were particularly excited to demonstrate the ROV arm they built, instructing their sibling on where to hold it and how to use it to pick things up. Moments like these highlight the vital role of innovative STEM experiences in sparking youth’s curiosity about the world around them.
Canadian Space Agency: Staying Healthy in Space
In collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Actua developed an activity centered around astronaut health and well-being in space. Youth explored how astronauts maintain physical and mental health, learning about the types of food suitable for space and identifying essential items astronauts bring with them that promote overall well-being. This activity, which involved practicing suturing, introduced participants to the challenges and future solutions related to healthcare access, including equipment limitations and remote locations.
To deepen the community connection, an Elder was invited to a camp in Ulukhaktok, NT, to share her land-based knowledge. She drew similarities between the importance of traditional foods in communities and nutritional considerations in space. The elder also shared her experience providing first aid on the land, including traditional suturing techniques. This activity underscored the practical value of these skills, reinforcing that youth can develop essential expertise to address challenges by combining new skills with the knowledge already held within their communities.
World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada): Wildlife Conservation in the North
In collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund Canada, Actua developed an activity highlighting non-invasive wildlife monitoring, focusing on walruses, a species facing challenges related to climate change. Youth learned about the WWF- Canada Walrus from Space Project, where they analyzed satellite imagery to identify wildlife. Youth also created their own walrus Sphero robots to capture on camera. This fun and engaging approach allowed youth to learn scientific methods used to protect endangered species, many of which are integral to their local ecosystems.
“Another favourite of ours! The kids were receptive to learning about satellites and how they can be used in the field of ecology,” said a 2024 outreach instructor.
This experience not only equipped youth with practical skills and knowledge but also nurtured a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation in their communities.
The impact of Actua’s collaborations with the WWF-Canada, ONC and CSA showcases the power of collaboration in STEM learning. By providing youth with experiences that are both engaging and locally relevant, Actua is helping them see themselves as problem solvers and leaders within their communities. These activities are sparking their confidence, creativity and passion for STEM.