Inside Creative Encounters at U of G

Through interactive learning experiences led by instructors – often University of Guelph Students – Creative Encounters with Science at U of G aims to inspire a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among youth. To gain deeper insights we interviewed three Creative Encounters team members about their STEM outreach efforts for youth, including their expectations for the upcoming summer camps starting in July. 

Owen Hennink, fourth-year Biological Science student, began as an instructor with Creative Encounters in May. He aims to pursue a career in education, and his journey into STEM outreach began with conducting workshops for Let’s Talk Science, where he discovered the pivotal role of elementary education in fostering youth interest in STEM. Hennink’s interest in subjects like biology and chemistry began at a young age, and he was motivated to inspire younger generations along a similar path. 

Evarista (Eva) Halim, third-year Biomedical Engineering student, is completing her co-op term as a STEM instructor for Creative Encounters. Halim aims to pursue a career in prosthetics and R&D design and felt that the position fit her as someone who loves being around children, has a passion for STEM outreach and would like to see more diverse individuals in the field. She has previously volunteered as a student for the International Student Association and the Multicultural Festival. 

Daniela Ramirez, a third-year Computer Science student, worked as a STEM instructor both last summer and throughout the 2023-24 academic school year. Ramirez is now returning in the role of Program Coordinator for the summer. She decided to get involved in the organization to give more people access to science and encourage youth to participate in it even if they do not believe they have the skills to pursue STEM, as it will prepare them to be better-informed citizens with enhanced critical thinking. 

Creative Encounters provides unique STEM education opportunities outside traditional schooling. Owen emphasized the enjoyment of STEM workshops without academic pressures, fostering curiosity through hands-on activities that bridge theory with real-world applications. Daniela highlighted how camps and workshops offer alternative teaching methods beyond structured classrooms, promoting practical learning. Eva also underscored the value of exposing youth to diverse STEM fields, encouraging exploration and discovery of lesser-known scientific disciplines. 

However, while acknowledging the benefits of STEM outreach initiatives, it is crucial to address potential barriers to access and explore strategies for overcoming them. 

“There can be socio-economic barriers,” says Hennink. “STEM outreach experiences involve a cost that could be challenging for a lot of parents.” 

This is also true for university-level youth, adds Halim, especially international students, who wish to access these experiences, but tuition costs prevent them from participating. Creative Encounters aims to reduce this barrier through programs such as Go Where Kids Are – a national initiative led by Actua (the national STEM organization CE is a member of). 

Another barrier that Ramirez noted is inclusivity, such as underrepresentation of people of colour and gender diversity in STEM. 

“Creative Encounters aims to bridge the gap between science and Indigenous perspectives, as the historical eurocentric bias in science has marginalized Indigenous youth by disregarding their ways of life within STEM,” says Ramirez. “We work with the Anishinabeg Outreach Centre to host workshops and programs that promote 2-Eyed Seeing, integrating Indigenous and Western ways of knowing.” 

Lastly, we discussed their plans for the upcoming summer camps: Hennink will co-lead "Cooking with Chemistry," involving hands-on cooking and baking activities intertwined with learning chemistry, exploring how to make jam, cheese, cakes, and more. Halim will oversee "Building Buddies," focusing on creative construction with LEGO, slime, and other materials. Ramirez will assist in supervising a diverse range of summer camps alongside her STEM colleagues.