Random Acts of Science

by Sara Mahmood

Throughout the day, you can catch Random Acts of Science downtown.

Various experiments will be conducted by parenting expert Alyson Schafer and a team of volunteers to help people realize the importance of a science education for youth.

Bonnie Schmidt, president and founder of Let’s Talk Science, says it is essential to get parents to encourage their children’s interest  in science. “You wouldn’t let them fail English, you’d get them a tutor. The same goes for science,” she says. The key is to get kids curious about science from a young age. The sooner kids get interested in science, the sooner they’ll see it as a lifetime opportunity.

Both Schmidt and Schafer say that science courses should be mandatory throughout high school, like English. Currently, Ontario high school students only have to take science until grade 10.

A recent Angus Reid study found that of the 60 per cent of youth who wanted to pursue science after grade 10, 75 per cent were influenced to do so by their parents. Parents are a huge part of the decision-making process for Canadian youth: about 82 per cent turn to their parents for guidance. Surprisingly, only 23 per cent take the time to discuss their children’s future goals with them. 

The study also found that 84 per cent of parents believe a basic understanding of math and science is useful for their jobs, even parents who aren’t in scientific careers. Also, 94 per cent say science is useful in their everyday life.

Even if a parent doesn’t have a background in science, they can still get their kids engaged with the subject. Younger children are interested in hands-on activities and so today Schafer and Schmidt, along with the help of their volunteers are conducting science experiments such as letting kids poke holes into ziploc bags full of water. The bag won’t leak because it is made of polymers, which have long chains of molecules that make room for the pencil. This is an example of an experiment parents can conduct at home to get their children interested in science. Parents can also have kids help out with the cooking, do some gardening, or visit the zoo to spark an interest in science.

Science is used in many different career fields, from environmental studies to hairdressing to agriculture. “It’s hard to find a career that isn’t connected to science,” says Schafer. “Parents need to understand it’s part of a good education.”

She also says that it’s important to keep a child’s education as expansive as possible so they have a broad education and can pursue whatever career they want.

Both Schafer and Schmidt agree that parents shouldn’t “close the door on science” because a basic understanding of science is a lifelong skill that will help their children in whatever they choose to pursue.

You can watch the Random Acts of Science today at the follow locations:

First Canadian Place (11 AM – 1 PM)
Community Corner, the PATH (between HMV and Suzy Shier)

Union Station (4:30 PM – 6 PM)
The Great Hall and the GO Concourse