INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Guiding principles of Discovering Science:

SCIENCE IS FUN. Planned activities include exploring the fascinating science behind motors and circuits, examining the chemistry of our food, synthesizing cosmetic products, discovering the diverse biology of Fish Creek Park, and many other exciting activities. Whenever practical, students will be able to take something home. 

SCIENCE IS ACCESSIBLE AND HANDS-ON. We strongly believe that science is most effectively learned by doing. The use of readily-available material rather than complex and specialized instruments will illustrate that science is accessible to everyone, and also more clearly demonstrate basic scientific principles.

Each evening session will follow a similar format, beginning with a brief introduction to the task at hand. Most of the time students will be working singly or in small groups under the guidance of faculty and staff to complete the task. There will be ample time for students to talk to faculty and staff as they work on the project about the scientific principles involved since the adult-student ratio is 1:3.

What You Need to Do

1. You must pre-register your student and pay in advance for each session. Your payment will reserve your student's spot in the session. The complete schedule is available here, and the sign up form is here.

2. Sign a hard copy of our waiver form at your student's first Discovering Science session. You can read the form here. Please note that the waiver form includes permission to take photos of your student for use on our website and other publications.

3. Dress your student in old clothes, in case of stains.

4. Check the sessions page to find the location of the Discovering Science session.

5. Ensure that your child arrives in time for our 7:00 pm start. Important information regarding safety is given in the beginning and your child may not be permitted to take part in the activities if this is missed!

6. Pick your child up promptly and be prepared to take home his or her latest (possibly smelly) scientific creation. We will not be able to provide supervision after the program ends.

7. Read the information that we send home with each student about the project they completed. There may be safety considerations for some of the materials we send home and it is important that an adult understand these. It is also important to share their excitement and appreciate what they have learned.

8. Give us feedback as the year progresses so that we may continually improve Discovering Science at St. Mary’s University College!