STEM: Uncovering the Truth
For all those who don’t know what STEM stands for, it is an abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This year, we decided to uncover the truth about STEM and participants were treated to interactive workshops, field trips, and presentations with guest speakers.
On Day 1, students arrived at CDS for an educational and fun-filled day. We were exposed to various species of reptiles, including a turtle, boa, gecko and live baby alligator. Yes, we were in the Reptilia Workshop with front row seats! In the afternoon, forensic expert, Mr. Murray Clayton instructed us on fingerprint identification and how to make our very own fingerprint mold. Next, Dr. Kathy Gruspier, the only full-time forensic anthropologist in Canada came in to tell us about the specifics of her fascinating local cases. After her action-packed presentation, we measured real bones to determine the gender of the body.
The students headed to the Ontario Science Centre on the third day. We each were assigned a role in the Mission to Mars simulation. The objective was to successfully land a rocket departing from Earth to Mars, and vice versa. Both simulations were successful. At 1:00pm, we watched an Amazon Adventure IMAX Movie. We saw the process of a scientific discovery made by Henry Bates in the Amazon that species do evolve according to their environment. Students were then given the freedom to explore the fascinating, interactive knowledge the OSC had to offer.
A sincere thank you to all teachers involved: Mr. Jugoon, Mr. Moorlag, Mr. Wappel, and Ms. Jepson for organizing and leading such a memorable trip. By the end of the eventful week, students had gained much knowledge from the activities and workshops. If you don’t believe us, see for yourself next year!
Back
On Tuesday, the STEM group took part in a hackathon consisting of modifying the snake game. After this activity, I even wanted to join the Grade 11 Computer Science class! Following the session, Mr. Jugoon’s very own brother in law, high voltage engineer Mr. Ilario Iacoucci, came in to introduce his career to us, first by throwing a light bulb at Mr. Jugoon who fortunately caught the bulb midair. After his presentation, we passed around a cut transmission wire to learn about the materials that go into supplying power. In the afternoon session, we assembled a rocket which we then launched on Hawksworth Field. There were minutes of confusion as the students stared up at the sky, trying to spot the disappearing rockets.
The students headed to the Ontario Science Centre on the third day. We each were assigned a role in the Mission to Mars simulation. The objective was to successfully land a rocket departing from Earth to Mars, and vice versa. Both simulations were successful. At 1:00pm, we watched an Amazon Adventure IMAX Movie. We saw the process of a scientific discovery made by Henry Bates in the Amazon that species do evolve according to their environment. Students were then given the freedom to explore the fascinating, interactive knowledge the OSC had to offer.
On the final day, we headed toward I-Fly Free Fall Simulation in Oakville. We experienced the true sensation when skydiving. Students got suited up in preparation for flight. Some had a natural talent when flying, others stumbled. The STEM group then journeyed to SciNet to see the inner
workings of Canada’s powerful and efficient supercomputer. The room was enormous and filled with the humming of wires, machinery and robots.
workings of Canada’s powerful and efficient supercomputer. The room was enormous and filled with the humming of wires, machinery and robots.
A sincere thank you to all teachers involved: Mr. Jugoon, Mr. Moorlag, Mr. Wappel, and Ms. Jepson for organizing and leading such a memorable trip. By the end of the eventful week, students had gained much knowledge from the activities and workshops. If you don’t believe us, see for yourself next year!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
