Instructors: Lola Akinlaja, Erin Biberdorf, Ayse Erdogan, Sara Ibrahim, Sofia Osborne, and Cindy Shaheen
Lab Technician: Lucia Quesada-RamirezLead: David Ng

Note that we are pausing this program for the 2024 year. Apologies for this, but we plan on being back next year!

Since 2008, The Science Creative Literacy Symposia field trip program has been offered at the University of British Columbia, with the intent of providing an engaging interdisciplinary outreach experience for students at the Grade 5/6/7 level. Here, the fieldtrip combines elements of science exploration with expository creative writing with the aim of fostering skills in written literacy, scientific literacy, as well as develop appreciation in interdisciplinary connections and creativity concepts. For a sense of where the idea came from, click here (hat tip to 826National).

Hosted by the Michael Smith Laboratories, and by the fine folks from the UBC Creative Writing Program, the field trips will be held at the Michael Smith Building. Both authentic research laboratory settings as well as spaces conducive for reflective writing activities will be used.

Each session involves a class of Grade 5-7 students (about 30 max), and will encompass a 10am to 2pm timeframe – this includes a lunch break of 15 to 20 minutes somewhere in the middle (indoor room provided if needed). Basically, the session will be run by two instructors; one a Graduate Student within a scientific discipline, and the other a Masters of Fine Arts student within the Creative Writing program. Each session will be designed to allow the elementary students to play both the role of the scientist (perform a science experiment) and the writer (engage in a reflective writing exercise), with efforts to provide linkage between the two skill sets. The fieldtrip is free (first come first served in terms of bookings), although transportation and lunch is not provided.

Science and Writing Content

SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

Option 1. DIY Cloud Chamber Lab: This actvity revolves around the construction of a DIY isopropanol cloud, capable of detecting muons and alpha particles (as seen via ionizing trails). The central themes covered revolve around the question of evidence, especially when things cannot be seen. (see this link for more details). (lesson plan pdf)

Option 2. Biodiversity Microscopy Lab: This activity (limited to April to June months) involves a quick trip to the riparian system by the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. Here, pond samples will be collected and taken back to the lab for microscopic observation. The lab is equipped with 15 dissecting microscopes – enough for at least one microscope per pair of students. The central themes covered revolve around environmental stewardship and biodiversity. (lesson plan pdf)

Option 3. Genomic DNA isolation Lab: This activity involves a cheek cell rinse with a sterile saline solution, and subsequent isolation of the students genomic DNA (similar to the Grade 9 experiment). Students will also get to load a DNA gel. The central themes covered revolve around biological identity, and questions related to access to such information – the good and the bad. (lesson plan pdf)

WRITING ACTIVITIES

Option 1. Screenplay writing (and performance): This activity revolves around a team of students, where roles have been assigned (scribe, director, actors) and where the team is tasked to write a short screenplay, dramatic play on the science topic. Time is allowed for rehearsals, some prop construction, and finally performances in the main lecture hall. (lesson plan pdf)

Option 2. Choose your own Adventure Class Book: This activity begins with the class discussing elements of fiction, and in doing so, they will “democratically” compose the first page of a story (where character, setting, and conflict are determined). Furthermore, this page one will present the plot with 4 different possible options. The remainder of the activity time, therefore, involves the class breaking into smaller groups, composing the next 4 parts of the story, with each of these 4 parts presenting a further two options. This continues until the class reaches a stage where each individual student will need to compose an ending for the story. In the end, the class will have written a Choose Your Own Adventure Book! (lesson plan pdf)

Option 3. Poetry (slam poetry). This activity involves a variety of different exercises where children will compose (individually and as groups) various pieces of poetry. This will culminate in a poetry reading at the end of the session. (lesson plan pdf)

Note: That if teachers can get the material transcribed, we’d be more than happy to publish it at the Science Creative Quarterly. This would mean that your student(s) would actually have a “real” publication given the traffic stats of the SCQ. You can see some past examples of these here.

Logistics

9:45am – 10:00am: Meet at the foyer of the Michael Smith Building (link to directions can be found here)

10:00am – ~11:50am: Some combination of science and/or writing activities. Likely, the majority of time will focus on the science experiment which will vary according to the instructors present.

~11:50am – 12:10pm: 15 to 20 minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but space for lunch sitting is there if needed.

12:10pm – 2:00pm: Some combination of science and/or writing activities: Here, it’s likely most of the time will focus on the writing exercises, which also will vary depending on the instructors present.