Star Trip – Solar Systems

Students will gain an understanding of astronomy by learning about the structure of our solar system and the celestial bodies in it! Star Lab offers a portable planetarium experience for students participating.

Grades: Pre K–2

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 25 persons

Cost:

Virtual: $75

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections:

• Science K: Exploring our Natural Surroundings 

  • NSK.1: Explore features of their natural surroundings (e.g., soil, water, landform, and weather conditions), including changes to those surroundings over time.

• Science 1: Daily and Seasonal Changes 

  • DS1.1: Compare and represent daily and seasonal changes of natural phenomena through observing, measuring, sequencing, and recording.

  • DS1.2: Inquire into the ways in which plants, animals, and humans adapt to daily and seasonal changes by changing their appearance, behaviour, and/or location.

• Science 2: Air and Water in the Environment 

  • AW2.1: Investigate the properties of air and water (in all three states of matter) within their environment.

  • AW2.2: Assess the importance of air and water for the health and survival of living things, including themselves and the environment.

Star Trip – Galaxies

Students will expand on their understanding of astronomy by travelling beyond our own galactic neighbourhood. Galaxies, nebulas and supernovae—oh my! Star Lab offers a portable planetarium experience for students participating.

Grades: 6–9

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 20 persons

Cost:

Virtual: $75

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections:

• Science 6: Our Solar System

  • SS6.1: Research and represent the physical characteristics of the major components of the solar system, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

  • SS6.2: Assess the efficacy of various methods of representing and interpreting astronomical phenomena, including phases, eclipses, and seasons. 

  • SS6.3: Evaluate the past, current, and possible future contributions of space exploration programs, including space probes and human spaceflight, that support living and working in the inner solar system. 

• Science 9: Exploring Our Universe

  • EU9.1: Inquire into the motion and characteristics of astronomical bodies in our solar system and the universe.

  • EU9.2: Analyze scientific explanations of the formation and evolution of our Solar System and the Universe 

  • EU9.3: Examine how various cultures, past and present, including First Nations and Metis, understand and represent astronomical phenomena.

  • EU9.4: Analyze human capabilities for exploring and understanding the universe, including technologies and programs that support such exploration.

EnviroCircuits

This workshop takes you from electrostatic charges to parallel circuits and beyond. Students will learn about simple and parallel circuits through hands-on activities and then have the opportunity to make their own circuits.

Grades: 6–9

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections:

• Science 6: Understanding Electricity

  • EL6.1: Assess the personal, societal, economic, and environmental impacts of electricity use in Saskatchewan and propose actions to reduce those impacts.

  • EL6.2: Investigate the characteristics and applications of static electric charges, conductors, insulators, switches, and electromagnetism.

  • EL6.3: Explain and model the properties of simple series and parallel circuits.

• Science 9: Characteristics of Electricity  

  • CE9.1: Demonstrate and analyze the characteristics of static electric charge and current electricity, including historical and cultural understanding.

  • CE9.2: Analyze the relationships that exist among voltage, current, and resistance in series and parallel circuits.

  • CE9.4: Critical impacts of past, current, and possible future methods of small and large-scale electrical energy production and distribution in Saskatchewan

This workshop is presented by the
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS).

Laser Mazes

Grades: 4–8

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

We’ll shed some light on the electromagnetic spectrum through demonstrations of total internal refraction, fiber optics, prisms, UV, and fluorescence! Students will use mirrors and lasers to problem-solve their way through a team challenge.

Marsh Monsters

Learn about the tiny creatures that make up the amazing diversity of life in a wetland. Students will take samples of water collected from Wascana Marsh and use a stereoscope to investigate both the living and non-living properties they find, the role they play in the ecosystem, and how to support them amidst climate change.

Dates: Only available during April–June and when weather allows.

Grades: 4–8

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections:

• Science 4: Habitats and Communities

  • HC4.1: Investigate the interdependence of plants and animals, including humans, within habitats and communities.

• Science 4: Habitats and Communities

  • HC4.2: Analyze the structures and behaviours of plants and animals that enable them to exist in various habitats.

• Science 4: Habitats and Communities

  • HC4.3: Assess the effects of natural and human activities on habitats and communities and propose actions to maintain or restore habitats.

• Science 6: Diversity of Living Things

  • DL6.1: Recognize, describe, and appreciate the diversity of living things in local and other ecosystems, and explore related careers.

• Science 6: Diversity of Living Things

  • DL6.2: Examine how humans organize understanding of the diversity of living things.

• Science 6: Diversity of Living Things

  • DL6.3: Analyze the characteristics and behaviours of vertebrates (i.e., mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish) and invertebrates.

Nature and the Builder

Design, build, and test a dwelling that can withstand dramatic and extreme climates. Learn the use and importance of different materials and sustainable designs, how to be resourceful when supplies are limited, and how nature itself provides inspiration for sustainable structures. This hands-on workshop has students team up to discover their own solutions to building challenges, with a bonus for thinking green.

Grades: 3–5

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections:

• Science 3: Structures and Materials

  • SM3.1: Investigate the properties of materials and methods of joinery used in structures.

  • SM3.2: Assess the function and characteristics of strong, stable, and balanced natural and human-built structures.

• Science 5: Properties and Changes of Materials

  • MC5.1: Investigate the characteristics and physical properties of materials in solid, liquid, and gaseous states of matter.

Mind on Matter

Students work in teams as chemists-in-training through a series of hands-on, guided experiments and demonstrations. This workshop is a fun and colourful exploration of the three states of matter! Get ready to do the “Matter Dance”!

Grades: Pre-K–2

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections:

• Science K: Materials and Objects

  • MOK.1: Investigate the observable characteristics of familiar objects and materials in their environment.

• Science 1: Using our Senses

  • SE1.1: Investigate characteristics of the five traditional external senses (i.e., sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste) in humans and animals.

• Science 1: Using Objects and Materials

  • OM1.2: Examine methods of altering and combining materials to create objects that meet student- and/or teacher-specified criteria.

• Science 2: Liquids and Solids

  • LS2.1: Investigate the properties (e.g., colour, taste, smell, shape, and texture) of familiar liquids and solids.

  • LS2.1: Investigate interactions between liquids and solids and technologies based on those interactions.

Healthy Habitats

What makes a habitat a home for plants and animals? Students will learn what a habitat requires to support life and how animals and plants adapt and interact to survive in unique habitats all over the globe.

Grades: Pre K–2

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections: 

• Science 1: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things

  • LT1.2: Analyze the different ways in which plants, animals, and humans interact with various natural and constructed environments to meet their basic needs.

• Science 1: Earth and Space Science: Daily and seasonal change

  • DS1.1: Compare and represent daily and seasonal changes of natural phenomena through observing, measuring, sequencing and recording.

  • DS1.2: Inquire as to which plants, animals, and humans adapt to daily and seasonal changes by changing their appearance, behavior, and/or location.

• Science 2: Life Science: Animal Growth and Changes

  • AN2.3: Assess the interdependence of humans and animals in natural and constructed environments.)

• Science 2: Earth and Space Science: Air and water in the environment

  • AW2.2: Assess the importance of air and water for the health and survival of living things, including themselves and the environment.

• Science 3: Life Science: Plant Growth and Changes  

  • PL3.1: Investigate the growth and development of plants, including the conditions necessary for germination. (CP, SI) 

  • PL3.2: Analyze the interdependence among plants, individuals, society, and the environment. (CP, DM, SI) 

Virtual Workshop Supplies:

The Saskatchewan Science Centre provides everything needed for in-person workshops at the Science Centre. If you are doing this workshop virtually, you will be required to gather the following supplies ahead of time:

Each student will require:

• Craft supplies (craft sticks, string, tape, scissors, markers, paper, etc)

Digging into Dissections

Get a new perspective on the living body and its intricate design. These hands-on, guided dissections allow students to get a closer look at how body systems and their organs work. Choose from fetal pig, heart, or eye.

Grades: 5+ (NOTE: the Fetal Pig is designed for Grades 8+.)

Length: 60–90 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

Virtual: Heart ($100), Eye ($100), Fetal Pig ($100)

In-Person: Heart ($175), Eye ($175), Fetal Pig ($250)

Curricular Connections: 

• Science 5: Life Science: Human Body Systems  

  • HB5.1: Analyze personal and societal requirements for, and the impact of, maintaining a healthy human body.

  • HB5.2: Investigate the structure, function, and major organs of one or more human body systems, such as the digestive, excretory, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems.

  • HB5.3: Assess how multiple human body systems function together to enable people to move, grow, and react to stimuli. 

• Science 7: Understanding, Skills, and Confidence  

  • USC7.2: Examine critically and use purposefully blood-borne pathogen information and education, including HIV and Hepatitis C, for the purpose of committing to behaviours that do not put one at risk of infection or co-infection.

• USC7.3: Commit to personal safety practices while acquiring basic first aid knowledge and skills.

• Science 8: Life Science: Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Systems  

  • CS8.3: Distinguish structural and functional relationships among cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in humans and how this knowledge is important to various careers.

  • CS8.4: Analyze how the interdependence of organ systems contributes to the healthy functioning of the human body. 

• Science 9: Reproduction and Human Development  

  • RE9.1: Examine the process of and influences on the transfer of genetic information and the impact of that understanding on society, past and present.

  • RE9.4: Analyze the process of human reproduction, including the influence of reproductive and contraceptive technologies.

• Health Science 20:  Human Body

  • HS20-HB1: Analyze the anatomy and physiology of a healthy human.

Adapt

This workshop is about adaptations in animals and how astonishing they can be. Students will gain an understanding of how animals (including themselves) adapt to their environment, each other, and climate change.

Grades: 3–5

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections: 

• Science 3: Plant Growth and Changes

  • PL3.2: Analyze the interdependence among plants, individuals, society, and the environment.

• Science 4: Habitats and Communities

  • HC4.2: Analyze the structures and behaviors of plants and animals that enable them to exist in various habitats.

• Science 5: Weather

  • WE5.3: Analyze the impact of weather on society and the environment, including technologies that help humans address weather conditions.

Each student will require:

• 5–10 Pieces of Paper 

• Drawing tools (markers, crayons, pencil crayons, etc.) 

Forces

We won’t “force” you to have fun, but we bet you will in this hands-on, activity-based workshop! Budding physicists will investigate different materials, objects, and the forces that act on them. Both independently and in small groups, students will learn the basics of forces (gravity, friction, magnetism, and motion) and test “What happens if...?” in our interactive exploration lab.

Grades: Pre K–3

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections: 

• Science K: Materials and Objects

  • MOK.1: Investigate the observable characteristics of familiar objects and materials in their environment.

• Science 1: Using Objects and Materials

  • OM1.1: Investigate the observable characteristics and uses of natural and constructed objects and materials in their environment.

• Science 2: Motion and Relative Position

  • MP2.2: Investigate factors, including friction, that affect the motion of natural and constructed objects, including oneself.

• Science 3: Structures and Materials

  • SM3.1: Investigate the properties of materials and methods of joinery used in structures.

Virtual Workshop Supplies:

The Saskatchewan Science Centre provides everything needed for in-person workshops at the Science Centre. If you are doing this workshop virtually, you will be required to gather the following supplies ahead of time:

The teacher will require:

• 1 empty plastic bottle (one that can be dropped)

• 1 plastic water bottle filled with water (to be dropped)

• Each bottle should be the same size

Each student will require:

• Eraser

• Pencil

• Straw

• Paper

• Colouring materials

• Tape 

This workshop is presented by the
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS).

Wild About Animals

Discover the diversity of animal groups and compare characteristics and behaviours between animals from different habitats. Get the chance to meet a real animal for a fun and visual learning experience.

Grades: Pre K–2

Length: 45 minutes

Capacity: 25 persons

Cost:

Virtual: $75

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections: 

• Science K: Living Things in our Environment

  • LTK.1: Examine observable characteristics of plants, animals, and people in their local environment.

• Science 1: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things

  • LT1.1: Differentiate between living things according to observable characteristics, including appearance and behaviour. 

• Science 2: Animal Growth and Changes

  • AN2.1: Analyze the growth and development of familiar animals, including birds, fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, during their life cycles.

Virtual Workshop Supplies:

The Saskatchewan Science Centre provides everything needed for in-person workshops at the Science Centre.

Simple Machines

Dive into simple machines! They may be ‘simple’, but these machines really keep our world moving! Students will use teamwork and innovation to manipulate forces and solve a not-so-simple challenge.

Grades: 4–6

Time: 45 minutes

Capacity: 30 persons

Cost:

In-Person: $100

Curricular Connections: 

• Science 5: Properties and Changes of Materials

  • MC5.1: Investigate the characteristics and physical properties of materials in solid, liquid, and gaseous states of matter.

• Science 5: Forces and Simple Machines

  • FM5.2: Investigate the characteristics of simple machines, including levers, wheels and axles, pulleys, inclined planes, screws, and wedges, for moving and lifting loads.

• Science 6: Principles of Flight

  • FL6.2: Investigate how the forces of thrust, drag, lift, and gravity act on living things and constructed devices that fly through the air.