NOVA Chemicals supports STEM outreach at Western

NOVA-Summer-Camps-news.pngThis summer, the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park in Sarnia became the vibrant hub of curiosity and creativity with the launch of the Discovery Western Summer Camp sponsored by NOVA Chemicals. The camp provided a dynamic and enriching experience for local students, focusing on hands-on STEM activities and engineering challenges.

Running throughout July and early August, the camp welcomed over 40 enthusiastic campers from grades 3 to 5. The initiative, which was entirely free of charge thanks to the support of NOVA Chemicals, aimed to engage young minds in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The camp is designed to not only spark an interest in STEM fields but to provide an interactive platform for children to explore engineering principles through fun and educational activities. The diverse range of hands-on projects and challenges allowed campers to dive into various aspects of engineering, fostering both teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Jessica Monaghan, Summer Camp Coordinator, saw first-hand the value of NOVA Chemicals’ support.

“At the NOVA-sponsored camp, campers got to embrace their curiosity and envision themselves as engineers!” she said.

“From designing cars and satellites, to solving everyday problems – like retrieving lost keys in a grate – I’ve seen each camper grow in confidence, creativity and problem-solving as the week went on. Plus, it’s been great just seeing the campers overall having fun with science, thanks to the exceptional instruction done by the Western Engineering Outreach team!”

One of the highlights was the raft-building activity, where campers designed and constructed their own floating creations. Additionally, the design and creation of assistive technologies provided a unique opportunity for students to understand how engineering can make a difference in people’s lives.

The camp also featured exciting activities such as flying paper planes, creating intricate Rube Goldberg machines and a water balloon drop challenge. The integration of robotics into the camp’s curriculum allowed campers to delve into programming and debugging as they navigated their robots through challenging mazes.

Outdoor play was a key component of the camp experience, ensuring that children enjoyed physical activity and engaged in cooperative games that complemented their STEM learning.

A special highlight of the camp was the involvement of five dedicated NOVA Chemicals volunteers who visited throughout the two weeks. Their participation in various activities not only added a touch of professional insight but also inspired the young campers by showcasing real-world applications of STEM concepts.

The Discovery Western Summer Camp sponsored by NOVA Chemicals was more than just a series of activities; it was an opportunity for students to cultivate a passion for STEM, build lasting friendships and gain confidence in their problem-solving abilities. The camp's success is a testament to the powerful impact of community and corporate support in enriching educational experiences for youth.