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Destination Exploration celebrating Science Odyssey with free, unplugged STEM learning activities

Do your children have inquisitive minds, like to solve problems or create experiments? Are you looking for an activity that doesn’t involve logging into a web call? Destination Exploration (DE) is here for you.

Throughout 2021 Science Odyssey (continuing through May 16), DE is offering free, engaging, hands-on, unplugged learning opportunities for the community. STEM Explorers on the Go, created for children aged 6-12 and their families, brings the principles of science, technology, math and engineering (STEM) into your house.

“We’re really excited to offer these hands-on learning and STEM engagement activities to families who are looking for ways to involve their children in scientific projects,” says Valerie Archibald, the University of Lethbridge’s director, Youth Outreach. “And as much as we have had great success with our online STEM camps and workshops, we understand the appeal of doing something completely unplugged.”

A total of 150 activity bags were made available (one per family) at the start of the week, each including an activity booklet, custom 3D printed zipline part, colour changing pencil, DE sticker, and U of L swag. The bags were snapped up quickly but for those who missed out, the activity booklet is still available to be downloaded for free at uleth.ca/destination-exploration/odysci2021.

“The earlier you can involve your children in STEM activities, the more it inspires creativity, curiosity and imagination,” says Archibald. “By engaging in STEM, it really does open their minds to so many learning opportunities.”

When you participate, share your experiences and tag @uLethbridgeDE and @Sci_Od on Twitter and Instagram, or by using #AtHomeWithDE and #OdySci.

About Science Odyssey

Led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Science Odyssey brings together hundreds of fun and engaging activities across the country from Saturday, May 1 to Sunday, May 16, 2021. Events range from science in the streets, visits to labs, science fairs, talks and conferences, school field trips, encounters with scientists and engineers, special exhibits at museums and science centers, scientific events at community organizations, online activities, and much more.