From learning why biofouling is a big deal to the power of numbers, nearly 80 African Nova Scotian high school students had the opportunity to participate in a day of hands-on STEM-related activities as StFX hosted Black Excellence in Science Day on Oct. 15th. Importantly, the students had a chance to envision themselves as scientists and at university.
Students arrived on campus from three provincial centres of education, Cape Breton Victoria Regional; Chignecto Central; and the Strait Regional Centre for the day-long event which exposed students to science-related academic programs as well as campus life.
"When I think about this day, I think of all the amazing students exposed to campus, and who see them as brilliant. I think of all the futures that are in play," says Sasha Hayward-Isaac, the Coordinator of African Canadian Education Services with the Chignecto Central Centre for Education.
"Seeing the students smile and be engaged, that exposure is really important. Seeing Black students all together in one place is really important," she says.
Ms. Hayward-Isaac, who completed both her B.Ed. and M.Ed. at StFX, says it is important for the students, especially rural students, to be able to see people who look like them at university and to feel welcome in this space and it was wonderful to have StFX open its arms to them.
"The bus will be electric on the way home," she says as she notes how rewarding it is to see students dive into the sessions. A highlight for her was helping dissect a sheep heart. "The professors were amazing, kind, and patient. It felt very welcoming."
LEARN ABOUT UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Hants North Rural High School Grade 9 student Cheyenne Young says seeing the labs and classrooms was a great experience and seeing professors so proud of what they do and who want to share that with students was impactful.
"It was cool to visit a university to see what they offer."
Guysborough Academy Grade 10 students and twin sisters Ainlee and Langston Van Sickle say it was an important chance for students to learn about university programs. Both students are interested in human kinetics, and both say they would like to attend StFX after high school.
"This helps you learn what you want to do," says Ainlee. Langston says it was also a great chance to meet other people and to see what university life is like.
Attending the event with them was their mother, Tera Dorrington, who is also the Coordinator of African Canadian Education Services with the Strait Regional Centre for Education.
"It's an important event for students to attend just to explore different education paths and it's an opportunity to get to know what's out there," says Ms. Dorrington, who completed her undergraduate degree and B.Ed. and M.Ed. at StFX.
"I really enjoyed the kids being engaged and all the smiles and excitement," she says. "The professors who put on the workshops were very passionate and eager to engage the students. A huge shout out to them."
ALLOW STUDENTS TO UNDERSTAND HOW BRILLIANT THEY ARE
Event organizer and StFX faculty Dr. Wendy Mackey and current StFX student Devaughn Blackwood.
The day's organizer and StFX faculty Dr. Wendy Mackey said the event is designed to introduce African Nova Scotia students to the university as well as its science-based programs and to let the students know this is a place they belong.
While at StFX, the students participated in hands-on activities facilitated by the human kinetics, biology, math, nursing, and psychology departments. Professors, nurse educators, and lab instructors all volunteered their time and labs for the day.
"The purpose of the day is to allow our students to understand how brilliant they are and that they can be successful in science careers," says Dr. Mackey, StFX associate professor, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Leadership, and coordinator of both the Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Concentration MEd in the Faculty of Education, and the Black Nursing Student Success Program.
"I need for each of you to know how important you are," she stressed to the students at the morning's meet and greet as she encouraged them to speak with their guidance counsellors for more information on any of the programs they liked while at StFX.
Dean of Science Dr. Joe Apaloo also offered welcoming words during the morning session, telling the students how excited he is to welcome all to the Black Excellence Day for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
"I take this opportunity to tell you that the fastest growing jobs are STEM based. So, as you learn and your interest grows, remember that it is not only possible, but worth pursuing a STEM related degree and career."
Dr. Apaloo also shared that StFX has many programs in STEM with some of the finest professors here to support student success.
During the day, students participated in two sessions. All students took part in a biology activity and chose a second session from nursing, data science and mathematics, psychology, and human kinetics.
For the first biology session, students had a choice between three stations: Inside the Beat - Sheep Heart Dissections; Superbugs - Insects that Survive Freezing; and eDNA Technology Reveals all - Uncovering Hidden Life Around You.
The second biology session, offered students a choice to attend Bugged Out - Watch Insects Level Up IRL and Sticky Science Why Biofouling Is a Big Deal as well as Lobster Diaries - What Do Lobsters Do in the Wild? and Live Marine Organisms - Meet and Touch Some of the Ocean's Weirdest Residents.
The visiting students also had opportunity to choose from human kinetics lab demonstrations that included growth and development; exercise physiology; body composition; and sport biomechanics. Other session choices included visiting two nursing simulation labs and meeting with professors and students to hear what makes nursing at the StFX Rankin School of Nursing so great; as well as sessions on mathematics and data science, including on the power of numbers.
The day concluded with lunch in Morrison Hall, the university's main meal hall.
