This is part of our Impact Story series where we highlight different aspects of Relay’s diverse programming and show the impact on people. Learn more about the variety of programs we offer, the diversity in the people we work with and the value of the learning we provide.
This story focuses on Relay Education working with a school board in Ontario, during the pandemic, to bring interactive Science and Technology workshops into many schools within the school board district.
“I wanted to thank you for a wonderful presentation. The students and I thoroughly enjoyed it. They were quite surprised by the height of wind turbines. I had a few parents mention that their child had talked about what they had learned when they arrived home. That’s always a good sign!” – David Anderson, Central Public School, Guelph Ont.
Schools experienced many challenges and uncertainties to overcome in 2020-2021, but teachers from Upper Grand District School Board were willing to dive headfirst into new technologies to bring renewable energy to their students. We worked with students in the classroom and at home from November to March 2021, despite changes and new guidelines.
Program Impacts:
- 524 students engaged
- 23 Classes
- 19 Schools
- 17 Capture the Wind workshops (wind energy)
- 6 Plug in the Sun workshops (solar energy)
To maintain interactivity, when technology was available, we used online software which provided live interaction and a variety of quizzes, games and activities. If technology was not possible, students were given worksheets and materials to complete the experiments too.
“This workshop was great, especially this year when we have limited options for students to work together and experiment with Science and Technology related activities…Our kids were interested and had lots of questions to ask. Thanks for another great presentation!” –Laura Smylie, Ottawa Crescent Public School, Guelph Ont.
In our workshops, students are provided with opportunities to draw parallels between the content that is being delivered and real-life examples that are close to home. This allows students to see and understand the changes that are currently happening, even in their own neighbourhoods.
“The facilitator covered a variety of ways to generate electricity with short, simplified explanations for the Gr. 6’s in a short period of time. Great for students who hadn’t gotten this from earlier, and good reinforcement for everyone else. The experiments were a good way for the students to see this stuff in actions and get them interested afterwards.” – Adam Clost, Glenbrook Elementary School, Shelborne Ont.
Upper Grand District School Board serves students in the regions of Dufferin and Wellington County, the City of Guelph, and regions in the west and north of Toronto.
Relay Education programs help to create change for a greener future by fostering the next generation of green energy leaders. To book a workshop or learn more about how we can offer programs to schools in your area please send us an email.