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.
Are you curious about how scientific research truly begins? This course opens the door to the research process, revealing how scientists transform ideas into rigorous experiments and meaningful discoveries. Through engaging lectures and guided, hands-on lab activities, you will develop the core skills required to design a scientific study from the ground up.
Learn to shape compelling research topics, craft meaningful scientific questions, define clear objectives, and build testable hypotheses supported by primary scientific literature. You will then apply these foundational skills to a focused biological theme: the molecular and physiological mechanisms of ammonia detoxification in the starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis. Introductory laboratory experiments will demonstrate key experimental tools and showcase how researchers investigate these physiological processes.
By the end of the course, you will have the groundwork needed to launch your own research projects and laid the foundation for future thesis work.
About the Instructor: Alrishia Agard is currently pursuing an MSc in biology at York University. Her research focuses on invertebrate physiology, focusing on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of ammonia detoxification in the model organism Nematostella vectensis, the starlet sea anemone. As an MSc student in the biology department, Alrishia has considerable experience with molecular and physiological techniques, as well as teaching STEM activities and experiments to students of various ages. During her time as an undergraduate student in the Biomedical Science program at York University, Alrishia was an instructor for Science Engagement Programs, where she taught and developed courses for high school students. As a current graduate student, Alrishia is a teaching assistant for various undergraduate biology courses at York University.
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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.
