Next week is March break, but it's not too late to register your child in a local program that promotes a passion for science and technology. Over the past year, an increasing number of youth-oriented science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) focused programs have popped up across the city. From girls-only coding camps to innovation workshops, these programs feed a youthful thirst for knowledge and propel skills useful in many of today's in-demand careers.
We round up a list of STEM-focused programs that are both fun and beneficial.
Girls Learning Code March Break Camp
Where: Mozilla, 366 Adelaide Street West, Suite 500
When: March 11-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who: Girls age 9-13
Cost: $425 for the week
Summary: This year's theme is "using multimedia to change the world." Girls will participate in groups learning how to create websites using HTML and CSS, learn how to build an audience, and have an opportunity to explore media, sound and video production, editing, blogging and more. Partial and full scholarships are available.
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Space, Squid and Slime
Where: University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street
When: March 11-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who: Students in grades 5 to 8
Cost: $280 for the week
Summary: This program models itself after a popular summer camp that explores a world of science and engineering "through exciting and enriching activities for curious young minds." Featuring rocket launches, slime making, dissections, chemical reactions, robotics and more. Registration closes Friday March 8, space permitting.
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Big Ideas: The Creativity, Design and Innovation Camp
Where: University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street
When: March 11-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who: Students in grades 7 and 8
Cost: $280 for the week
Summary: This program teaches students how to think BIG by applying innovative science, engineering and tech ideas to business challenges. Students learn how to craft user needs, prototype innovative solutions and develop strategies to make the world a better place. Registration closes Friday March 8, space permitting.
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Math Academy
Where: University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street
When: March 11-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who: Students in grades 11 and 12
Cost: $280 for the week
Summary: This program is for aspiring engineers. It provides senior high school students with an opportunity to "gain exposure to fundamental mathermatical concepts that appear in many fields of engineering and extend beyonf the secondary school curriculum." It's supped up math with an emphasis on current issues in engineering. Registration closes Friday March 8, space permitting.
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MaRS Future Leaders March Break Day Camp
Where: MaRS, 101 College Street
When: March 11-15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Who: Students ages 13-15
Cost: $400 for the week
Summary: Applications for this program have already closed, so you should forward inquiries to
[email protected]. This program is part of MaRS greater Future Leaders programs designed for "the next generation of entrepreneurs." Only 20 students are accepted into the week-long program that works one-on-one with students to teach them the ins-and-outs of entrepreneurship.
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Pueblo Science's March Break Camp
Where: University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street
When: March 11-15
Who: Children in grades 4 to 6
Cost: $250 for the week
Summary: This program is designed "to lift a child's enthusiasm for science" through active, exciting sessions in chemistry, physics and electronics. There will be excursions and hands-on activities. Revenues generated through these camps go towards this non-profit's initiatives to raise the level of science literacy in underprivileged communities in Canada and the developing world. Extended childcare hours are available at an extra cost.
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Ontario Science Centre: Explosions & Einstein! + video games and more
Where: 770 Don Mills Road
When: March 9-13 in the Auditorium. 12:00, 2:30, 4:30
Who: All ages
Cost: $13-$22
Summary: These daily performances aim to introduce children to Einstein's physics and theory of relativity through entertaining song, humour and audience participation. Also taking place: Game On 2.0, an ongoing exhibition exploring 60 years of electronic video games, as well as daily animal presentations, cosmic journeys, creation stations and more.
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Royal Ontario Museum: March Break Camp
Where: 100 Queen's Park
When: March 11-15
Who: Children ages 5-16
Cost: starting at $155 per child
Summary: Several programs are already sold out, but there is still room in Museum 101 and Animal Tales. Students learn about careers in museums, science and culture in the former, and learn all about animals in the latter with an opportunity to meet animals in person and through galleries.
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The ROM also has several
daily opportunities for children and teens throughout march break from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Calling this the Passport to the World, families can discover outer space, get hands-on with fossils, dinosaurs and even animals, help build a LEGO pyramid, and more. Most sessions are included in the museum ticket price, ranging from $12 to $25. Discounted admissions after 4:30 p.m.
TIFF Superhero Mockumentary
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
When: March 11-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who: Children ages 9-12
Cost: $310
Summary: This filmmaking camp allows students to write, produce and star in a short mockumentary film about a group of "super-powered crime-fighters." Students develop chracter names, origins, costumes and powers and work with guest filmmakers to operate equipment and run the shoot.
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TIFF Maker/Creator Camp
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
When: March 11-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who: Children ages 12-16
Cost: $310
Summary: Students learn about interactive technologies, robots and film in a week of "guided instruction and experimentation." Students get a behind-the-scenes look at how cutting-edge attractions were created and will showcase their final creations in a short documentary video.
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