Providing free science education in the Athabasca region, and beyond

Athabasca University (AU) faculty and staff provide educational opportunities for people all around the world, including supporting education for children and adults in the university’s home community of Athabasca. 

Science Outreach – Athabasca provides opportunities for members of the public to learn more about the science that’s all around us at no cost. This happens thanks to the dedicated volunteers who put their time and efforts into this group. 

“Most people have very limited backgrounds in science and often feel intimidated from their lack of understanding of science and technology,” said Dr. Robert Holmberg, a professor emeritus at AU who volunteers with Science Outreach – Athabasca.  

“That’s why AU, through what is now the Faculty of Science and Technology, has been helping the general public in learning about science through Science Outreach – Athabasca for nearly two decades.” 

Making science more accessible

Since its inception in 2001, the volunteer program has delivered more than 1,000 activities to more than 20,000 people in communities throughout north-central Alberta—and through the Science Outreach – Athabasca website and YouTube channel, well beyond Alberta’s borders. 

These activities include public lectures at the main AU campus in Athabasca, which are livestreamed and posted on YouTube, and in-person activities for local students at AU’s laboratory facilities. 

Free public science lectures, livestreamed and in person

Science Outreach – Athabasca runs an annual speaker series featuring scientists from AU and other universities, focusing on a wide range of science topics from astronomy to zoology, at the AU campus in Athabasca. 

Speakers have included such high-profile figures as former astronaut Marc Garneau and palaeontologist Dr. Phillip Currie, for whom the eponymous dinosaur museum in northwestern Alberta is named. 

Athabasca students get hands-on lab experience

While the annual speaker series is open to the public, students in Athabasca get the additional benefit of lessons from AU professors as part of their school work. These lessons are sometimes delivered in the schools, but students also often have the chance to work with professors in AU’s laboratories on campus. 

Treena Michalski, assistant principal at Landing Trail Intermediate School, said visiting the lab is an opportunity for Grade 6 students to put into practice what they have been learning. It also enhances their understanding of the scientific method. 

“This experience is not just a routine visit. It transforms into a personalized case study, complete with engaging and meaningful simulations,” she said.  

“This experiential learning approach strengthens their academic achievements and fosters a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.” 

She added that exposure to the laboratory and the professionals who teach the students sparks curiosity and enthusiasm in the students, who can then envision themselves pursuing similar paths in the future. 

AU volunteers collaborate with local schools

Allison Rudyk, who teaches junior-high students, said AU professors work collaboratively with her to create lessons specifically matched to learning outcomes in the curriculum. 

“Students approach these lessons with great seriousness, displaying focused and engaged participation. They learn actively through hands-on experience,” she said.  

“This opportunity goes beyond the ordinary, profoundly fostering a love for science and building valuable connections within our community here in Athabasca.” 

Public displays

In addition to in-person activities, Science Outreach – Athabasca promotes science education through static displays and printed materials throughout the Athabasca region. 

One example is a travelling display case that went to all schools within the Aspen View School Division, as well as several other institutions in the area. 

“Topics includes birds, mollusks, and arthropods,” Holmberg said. “We also made a travelling exhibit on extinct and extant bison.” 

There are also interpretive signs that can found in the Athabasca area, and brochures about local flora and fauna. 

The Science Outreach – Athabasca website has resources and activities for children and teens, resources for adults including citizen science initiatives, and resources for scientists and professionals who are interesting in learning more about the Athabasca River basin. 

Visit the Science Outreach – Athabasca website to learn more about upcoming speakers.