High schooler Shannon Fehr manoeuvres a ball through pylons during an event in the Amazing Science Race.
People can tell you what to expect from a university education, but that is no substitute for direct experience, says Dany Meng.
Just finished her grade 11 year at Leamington District High School, she is one of 40 local secondary students on campus this week for Science Academy, an outreach program designed to engage them in activities in the Faculty of Science.
“I like the hands-on stuff,” Meng said. “I like when you get to experience the different fields of science.”
The students have been listening to lectures, working in laboratories and meeting current UWindsor students in every discipline—something appreciated by Mila Huhtala of Tecumseh Vista Academy.
“I enjoyed hearing the student perspectives,” she said, adding that attending Science Academy has made her more interested in pursuing studies at the University of Windsor. “I didn’t really know what the programs would have. Being here gives you an idea of each of the separate departments.”
Participants for the one-week program are selected by their respective secondary schools. This year’s group is the largest yet, with a record number of schools represented, says organizer Michelle Bondy.
During Wednesday’s lunch break, Meng’s classmate Shannon Fehr looked forward to the Amazing Science Race, which pits contestants against each other in a test of knowledge, wits and problem-solving skills.
“I’m pretty competitive, so I am very excited,” Fehr said.