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Each of our camps are high-energy, hands-on learning, and include a broad exposure to a variety of topics in science, engineering, technology and math (STEM).
York University's Spark Lab Programs are week-long sessions designed for students in grades 9 to 12 who want more hands-on science. Using experiment-based learning, students explore physics, biology, chemistry and coding through lab work. Escape the traditional classroom and learn science by doing science. Programs run from 9:30am to 3:30pm daily, for four- or five-days depending on the week. Each session will allow participants to be involved in hands-on experiments, participate in mentor visits, and experience working in a university environment.
Research Spark courses are developed and delivered by graduate students and/or Professors and are based on the research they are doing at York.
Genetics plays a crucial role in the biological functions of all animals. In fact, scientists use fruit flies to learn more about how our bodies function, including excretion, and how our hormones control different processes. Even though fruit flies are tiny, they actually share about 60% of their genes with humans and have 14,000 genes in total! This makes them an excellent model for learning about physiological systems like the excretory and endocrine systems. In this course, you will dive into the fascinating world of genetics and see how small changes in genes can affect an organism's health and behaviour. You will get to work with specialized tools that scientists use to explore genes, like the GAL4/UAS system, which allows them to turn genes on and off in fruit flies. This method allows researchers to test different gene functions and observe the effects of genetic modifications. Plus, you will gain hands-on experience by dissecting fruit flies and conducting experiments to see how their genes affect things like hormonal regulation and survival in different situations. We will also explore how genetics plays a role across all living organisms and how it contributes to their optimal functioning.
About the Instructor: Marishia Agard is currently pursuing a PhD in biology at York University. Her research focuses on how the neuroendocrine system regulates the excretory system, utilizing the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) genetics to gain insights into the function of hormones in animals. Marishia has previously developed and taught summer courses at the Spark Labs of the Science Engagement Programs, including "Introduction to Genetics" and "Genetic Analysis: Bridging the Gap in Biological Understanding," which covered molecular, cellular, genetic, and physiological techniques. She also has extensive experience in teaching laboratory techniques and conducting STEM activities, having served as both a camp instructor and camp counsellor for the Science Engagement Programs. Currently, Marishia is the teaching assistant coordinator for undergraduate biology courses in animal physiology at York University. Her ultimate goal is to continue researching the role of genetics in the context of animal physiology while also teaching students.
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Science Engagement Programs offer innovative and engaging programs designed to inspire youth and discover exciting topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Our programs use a discovery and inquiry-based learning approach with a focus on ‘learning by doing’. Our outreach model provides students with a chance to work in small groups on a variety of projects. This model helps foster problem solving, critical thinking, and an overall passion for STEM.
Testimonials about our in-person programs:
Jul 21 - 25, 2025
Sentinel Park, Toronto, ON
334 Lumbers Building , 4700 Keele Street 09:30 - 15:30
$495
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Join the research world of genetics!
Join us in-person for a course filled with engaging experiments on the York University Keele campus!
This program, Genetics in Biological Systems: Comparative and Integrative Approaches, is offered by York University; Science Engagement.
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