The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Every science teacher surely knows the dilemma. Showing children the real-life value of a complex discipline like science can be challenging, if not downright frustrating. But last week at Ruth Betts Community School, kids learned firsthand that not only is science important, it can also be awfully entertaining. With 25 children enrolled, the school hosted the University of Manitoba's Kid-Netic Energy Science and Engineering Summer Camp. Stephanie Kozar, one of the instructors, said the goal was to spark interest in science and engineering as well as the U of M. Her co-instructor, Jessica Andries, added that if science is 'cool' for kids when they are young, they are more likely to pursue science courses when they are older. The five-day camp followed a different theme each day. There was Genetics Day, Sustainable Energy Day, Medical Science Day, Space Day, and fittingly for Flin Flon, Mining Day. Activities saw the children, aged 9 to 12, build model hydro dams, 'mine' cookies for chocolate chips and, out in the playground, launch pop-bottle rockets, among other activities. Kozar, who is originally from Flin Flon, is attending the U of M with the goal of becoming a doctor.
