Each of our camps are high-energy, hands-on learning, and include a broad exposure to a variety of topics in science, engineering, technology and math (STEM).
York University's Spark Lab Programs are week-long sessions designed for students in grades 9 to 12 who want more hands-on science. Using experiment-based learning, students explore physics, biology, chemistry and coding through lab work. Escape the traditional classroom and learn science by doing science. Programs run from 9:30am to 3:30pm daily, for four- or five-days depending on the week. Each session will allow participants to be involved in hands-on experiments, participate in mentor visits, and experience working in a university environment.
Research Spark courses are developed and delivered by graduate students and/or Professors and are based on the research they are doing at York.
Genetics plays a central role in how all animals function at molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. Scientists often use the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model organism to better understand how our bodies function, including excretion and how hormones control different biological processes. Despite their small size, fruit flies share nearly 60% of their genes with humans and possess over 14,000 genes, making them a powerful model for studying human-relevant biology, including physiological systems such as the excretory and endocrine systems. In this course, students will explore how genetic variation influences physiology, behaviour, and survival. You will learn how scientists investigate gene function using specialized tools such as the GAL4/UAS system, which allows researchers to turn specific genes on and off in fruit flies to study their effects. Through hands-on activities, students will gain experience with real experimental techniques, including fruit fly dissections and experiments that examine how genes influence hormonal regulation and responses to different environmental conditions. The course will also explore how genetics is essential across all living organisms and why it is critical for optimal biological function. This course offers an exciting opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a geneticist and discover how scientific research connects genes to animal physiology.
About the Instructor: Marishia Agard is a PhD candidate in Biology at York University with a strong passion for teaching and science outreach. Her research explores how the neuroendocrine system regulates the excretory system, using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) as a genetic model to understand how hormones function in animals. Marishia has extensive teaching experience, having developed and taught multiple summer courses at the Spark Labs of the Science Engagement Programs, including Introduction to Genetics and Genetic Analysis: Bridging the Gap in Biological Understanding. These courses introduce students to molecular, cellular, genetic, and physiological concepts through hands-on learning. In addition, Marishia has served as a course instructor for an undergraduate animal physiology biology course and currently serves as the Teaching Assistant Coordinator at York University. She is especially passionate about making complex biological concepts engaging, approachable, and fun for students, and hopes to continue combining research and teaching throughout her career.
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Science Engagement Programs offer innovative and engaging programs designed to inspire youth and discover exciting topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Our programs use a discovery and inquiry-based learning approach with a focus on ‘learning by doing’. Our outreach model provides students with a chance to work in small groups on a variety of projects. This model helps foster problem solving, critical thinking, and an overall passion for STEM.
Testimonials about our in-person programs:
- Very engaging topics. Marishia was a kind, helpful, and insightful instructor. Learned a lot about future careers related to science and what courses and degrees I should pursue in order to get them. - Student, Genetics in Biological Systems
______________________ - Without exaggeration, this was a life changing week for our daughter. She arrived with a curious spark about science and left with a brightly burning passion. Her instructors Vanessa and Joey inspired her like no other educators. She would leave camp totally energized. Some nights she spent 2 hours recreating her day and sharing what she had learned. Then she would spend another couple of hours researching sigma and pi bonds, chemical reactions and brainstorming ideas for next year's science fair.
This was the summer camp she had been wanting her whole life to be part of. It wouldn't surprise me if years from now she will look back on this week and the impact it had on her.
______________________ - This program is a chance for my child to do and learn more. The school system limits children; it doesn’t allow them to fly. We all look for programs that give our young ones wings.
______________________ - A mix of hands-on experience and lectures, this unique introduction to the medical field beats all our expectations! It is one-of-a-kind, this seems to be the only camp that really talks about medicine and sciences which is fantastic!
Coming home from camp, my children go on and on about what they've learned and they talk about how they can discuss science with counselors who are studying science in university. My children will continue to delve into their science interests every summer with York University's camps.
______________________ - My son told me that it was easy to make friends at this camp and that he learned something new that he never did before everyday. The teachers and volunteers have a lot to do with the success of this camp. I found them so enthusiastic and keen as well as knowledgeable, approachable and caring with the kids. Thank you.
