GR PP – Discovery and Invention
GR P – Physical Science: Movement (Properties of Ramps Impact Movement) 

What materials or surfaces improve an object’s ability to roll or slide? How can I change the way an object moves down a ramp? Engage your class in our hands-on workshop about motion! Working in small groups, learners will explore factors that affect rolling and sliding motion through building and testing different ramps!

30-minutes

GR 1 – Physical Science: Materials, Objects, and Devices 

Working in small groups, learners are challenged to build a structure to weather a rainstorm and keep their paper person dry. Learners will investigate various reused and reusable materials while thoughtfully considering the responsibility of respecting materials to reduce waste and live sustainably.

45-minutes

GR 2 – Physical Science: Motion

How can I build an object that moves? How can I change how an object moves? Learners explore these questions as they complete two engineering challenges in this fast-paced, motion-packed workshop. Learners are encouraged to think about purpose, design, and the factors that effect motion, as they build and launch their own gravity and wind-powered cars. 

1-hour

GR 3 – Physical Science: Invisible Forces 

Invisible forces are all around us! Through hands-on exploration with magnets and a shockingly, hair-raising experience with the Van de Graaff Generator, learners will discover that magnetic and static forces involve the pushes and pulls of repulsion and attraction. 

1-hour

Safety Advisory: Although the Van de Graaff generator produces a very low current, it may cause problems with people who have heart problems or a pacemaker and can affect electronic devices. It’s recommended that anyone with heart conditions, pacemakers, or electronic medical devices such as insulin pumps, and or cochlear implants, avoid close proximity and contact with the Van de Graff generator. 

GR 3 – Physical Science: Structures

Students explore the art and science of architecture while learning about 4 different bridge designs (arch, truss, suspension, and beam). Working in small teams, students will construct an arch bridge from blueprints, learn what factors can result in structure failure, and complete an engineering challenge to design and build a paper bridge to support the most weight!

1-hour

GR 4 – Earth and Space Science: Rocks and Minerals 

Rocks, minerals, and their uses come to life in this hands-on workshop. Students undergo hands-on investigations to classify real geological samples and gain insights into the dynamics of Earth’s crust through the rock cycle!

1-hour

GR 5 – Physical Science: Chemical and Physical Properties 

Be prepared to get slimed as we explore the properties of matter. Students get messy as they conduct experiments on physical and chemical changes to matter. This 1-hour workshop has a fun take home for students.

1-hour

GR 6 – Physical Science: Electricity (Methods of Generating Electricity) 

In this energetic workshop, learners compare renewable and non-renewable sources of electricity before focusing on a wind turbine challenge. Working in small groups, learners apply their knowledge of forces to engineer and test turbine blades that will drive an electric generator. When faced with heavy winds, students will measure their turbine’s electricity output to determine which is most powerful!

1-hour

GR 6 – Physical Science: Electricity (Circuits and Static Electricity) 

Explore current and static electricity in this jam-packed 1-hour workshop. Groups of students are challenged to hook up simple, series and parallel circuits on our circuit boards. Students get an up-close look at how positive static electricity can be with the Van de Graaff Generator.

1-hour

Safety Advisory: Although the Van de Graaff generator produces a very low current, it may cause problems with people who have heart problems or a pacemaker and can affect electronic devices. It’s recommended that anyone with heart conditions, pacemakers, or electronic medical devices such as insulin pumps, and or cochlear implants, avoid close proximity and contact with the Van de Graff generator.  

Gr 7 – Engineering Structures (Construction Materials)
Gr 8 – Climate Change (Heat Capacity of Materials)  

Let’s get some appreciation for insulation! This workshop challenges learners to apply knowledge of construction materials and heat transfer and capacity to construct the most heat efficient building. Together, we will evaluate the structures like an energy efficiency inspector. Learners will go on to consider how they can apply this knowledge in their own lives to save energy. 

1-hour

Through hands-on activities and class discussion, learners will explore the scope of textile waste in Nova Scotia. Learners will consider the impacts of textile production on climate change, the ocean and environment, the extent of textiles making it to the landfill,  and most importantly, the choices they can make to offset their fabric footprint.

1-hour

GR 10 Physical Science: Chemical Reactions
GR 10 Life Science: Sustainability of Ecosystems  

This hands-on and inquiry-based learning experience connects multiple topics in Science 10. It explores climate change through the impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems due to carbon dioxide emissions. Centered in concepts related to chemical reactions, it moves from pure to applied science using real samples of marine animal shells.

1-hour