Book a Session

Would you like to book a CAGIS Virtual session for your group?

By popular demand, some of the favourite CAGIS Virtual sessions are now available to come to your school or group, online.

Each session is 1 hour in length and run by an expert in science, technology, trades, engineering, or math (STEM), along with a certified teacher.

These fun sessions begin with an interactive presentation, followed by a virtual or hands-on activity, and finish with a summary and time for questions. Our presenters have experience with students of all ages. Most sessions can be adapted to any elementary or high school age group.

Rates

Single Session
$8/participant (minimum 30); $7/participant (50 or more)
Not-for-profit & schools: $7/participant (minimum 30); $6/participant (50 or more)

Four Session Package
$7.50/participant (minimum 30/session); $6.50/participant (50 or more/session)
Not-for-profit & schools: $6.50/participant (minimum 30/session); $5.50/participant (50 or more/session)

Session Descriptions

The Chemistry of Crystals

You LOVE crystals but do you know what they are?  For example, did you know that chocolate is a crystal?  In this session, you will learn the chemistry of crystals and get an introduction to crystalline structures.  After an interactive talk, participants will do an activity to grow crystals, with time for questions at the end.
 
Preparation: participants will need cups, jars, or bowls (2-3 per person); warm or hot water; salt or baking soda; string, pipe cleaner, yarn, or toilet paper rolls; stir stick, fork, or spoon.
 
Expert: Dr. Erin McConnell, completed her PhD in Chemistry at Carleton University and is a post-doctoral fellow at McMaster University, where she received the NSERC and L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award.
 
Curriculum Links: Understanding Matter and Energy

The Engineering of Ice Cream

Did you know that an engineer can work in an ice cream factory?  In this session participants will learn about food engineering, transfer of energy, and make their own ice cream!
 
Preparation: each participant will need one large ziplock bag, 2 medium/sandwich sized ziplock bags, 4 cups of ice, 1/3 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of milk or milk alternative (e.g. soy, almond, or coconut milk), 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, bowl, spoon, gloves or oven mitts to protect hands from the cold 
 
Expert: Bonnie Douglas is a food engineer. While she has spent most of her working life working in an ice cream factory, she also spent some time working in a cookie factory.  She also made the world’s tallest ice cream cone!
 
Curriculum Links: Understanding Matter and Energy

Exciting Energy: Rollercoasters, Catapults, & Rube Goldberg Machines

Did you know that an engineer could have the job of designing rollercoasters?! In this session, you will learn about a variety of types of energy, including potential and kinetic energy.  After an interactive presentation, participants will build their own miniature catapults (to propel small bits of eraser or paper). 
Note: although the Exciting Energy sessions are popular as a pair, either can be a stand-alone session as well.
 
Preparation: participants will need popsicle sticks, rulers, elastic bands, plastic spoons, a water bottle, paper to tear up to make projectiles, pencils, safety goggles or sunglasses
 
Experts:  Melina, Julee, and Keri from McMaster’s Women in Engineering Society.  
 
Curriculum Links: Understanding Structures and Mechanisms

Exciting Energy: Renewable Energy

This session further explores different types of energy and discusses renewable energy.  After an interactive presentation, participants will build their own waterwheels.
Note: although the Exciting Energy sessions are popular as a pair, either can be stand-alone.
 
Preparation: Each participant will need 2 paper or plastic plates with holes in the middle, 6-8 disposable cups, tape (Preferably a thicker tape like masking tape or duct tape), 1 wooden skewer,  2 Rubber bands
 
Experts: Melina, Julee, and Keri from McMaster’s Women in Engineering Society.  
 
Curriculum Links: Understanding Structures and Mechanisms; Understanding Earth and Space Systems

Fruit Fly Lab

What are traits, genes, heredity, genotypes, and phenotypes? These concepts will be introduced with a virtual lab environment that allows participants to mate fruit flies with different traits to see what proportion of the offspring have which traits. The level of difficulty will be adapted to the age of participants, with Punnet squares introduced to older participants. 
 
Preparation: no materials are necessary other than a computer and internet connection. Flash should be enabled on your browser.  The group can do the activity together or each participant can try the activity individually if they have their own mobile devices. Older participants may benefit from a pencil and paper if the concept of Punnet squares is being introduced. 
 
Expert: Urfa Arain is a developmental neurobiology PhD candidate who does lab work very similar to the simulated experiments in the virtual Fruit Fly Lab!
 
Curriculum Links: Understanding Life Systems

Seed Germination Challenge

Have you ever wondered how large trees grow from tiny seeds?  Did you know that different seeds can require very different conditions to germinate?  After an interactive presentation, participants will prepare seeds for germination and track root growth in the days following the session. Elements of experimental design and the scientific method are introduced to older participants.

Preparation: each participant will need a small ziplock bag and sheet of paper towel for each seed type, water to dampen the paper towel, and seeds. Participants can have one kind of seed, or multiple kinds of seeds. The seeds can be purchased in a garden centre or found in the kitchen (e.g. dried beans, popcorn). We recommend that each participant has 3 to 5 seeds of each type.

Expert: Sara Stricker is a plant scientist and PhD candidate at the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph.

Curriculum Links: Understanding Life Systems