Science Online Mini Courses
Science Online Mini Courses
We are excited to let you know we have released online mini courses exploring five different scientific themes. These courses were created in the summer of 2020 by a small group of engaging summer camp leaders (university students), focusing on the following topics (see descriptions below). For the summer 2021, we partnered with Science FUNdamentals to release a new course, Science FUNdamentals at Home.
Need to Know:
What are science online mini courses?
These are low-cost online mini courses that can be taken at any time by learners in the comfort of their home. These courses are not live. They feature content videos on science topics, interviews with our camp leaders and researchers, activities that can be replicated at home with a small amount of supplies, and online learning tools and quizzes to test knowledge of the subject. The courses are designed primarily for grades four to six, but can be completed by those younger and older who are interested in the subject area. The courses can be completed at the learner’s own pace, but are designed to be completed in 4-8 hours. We would recommend about 1-2 hours per day over the course of a week spent on videos, activities, and quizzes. Some of the at-home activities require materials that are easily found at home and may require parental supervision.
How do you sign up and participate?
- The learner will need to create an account on the Coursera platform, but must be done by a parent or guardian if you are registering on behalf of a learner under the age of 13
- A parent or guardian will register the learner for online courses using our Faculty of Science registration system found on our website. They will be asked to agree to our waiver and pay our course fees ($20 per course including GST). All fees will be directed through our registration system and not Coursera.
- Wait for email confirmation and access to your new online courses. Please note: Faculty of Science camp staff will manually add you to the private Coursera courses. You will receive a confirmation email from Coursera (for each course) when this is complete. Enrolment will take place Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. We are unable to add course registrants on evenings or weekends.
What are the course fees?
All courses are priced at $20.00 including GST, with a special option to select all 5 courses for $60.00. Please note: Science FUNdamentals at Home is $25.00, however all proceeds of this course go directly to Science FUNdamentals.
Science Online Mini Course Offerings
Science FUNdamentals at Home (NEW)
Course Description:
Want to conduct experiments from the comfort of your own home? This is an online course made BY science enthusiasts FOR science enthusiasts - we believe science should be learned in a fun hands-on approach, meaning that we encourage you to try experiments using simple materials found at home! The course is packed with exciting demonstrations, thoroughly explained scientific theories, insightful readings, and short quizzes to test your knowledge. We’ll dive into fascinating topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Join us in exploring the fascinating world of science!
Who this course is for:
This course is intended for all curious minds, young science enthusiasts, and anyone who loves observing or performing experiments! The material is designed for children in grades three to six but can be enjoyed by all students. Adult supervision is recommended for some of our at-home activities, but videos and quizzes can be completed independently. Children will need to create a Coursera account with an adult.
Please note: This course is presented and created by Science FUNdamentals. Science FUNdamentals is a registered charity and student group at the University of Alberta. All proceeds of this course go directly to Science FUNdamentals.
Introduction to Animals
Course Description:
Come along on this exciting adventure to learn more about the animals inhabiting our planet. Animals are fascinating and unique. You will get to take part in many fun activities like creating a bird feeder and a “toad abode” to bring the wildlife to you. You will even get to be your own backyard scientist! Topics covered in this course will explore the worlds of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, focusing on how an animal’s features determine how its body works.
Who this course is for:
This introductory course is intended for learners who want to know more about the study of animals. Anyone with a passion for the natural world will appreciate this course. The material is designed for children in grades four to six, though can also be enjoyed by younger and older children. Adult supervision is recommended for some of our at-home activities, but videos and quizzes can be completed independently. Children will need to create an account with an adult.
Introduction to Dinosaurs and Paleontology
Course Description:
Did you know that Alberta is home to some of the richest deposits of dinosaur fossils in the world? Explore the prehistoric past with our world-famous paleontologists, and tour our museums and collections online. This course provides foundational knowledge and activities for the topic of dinosaurs. Topics covered in this course include dinosaur classification, the study of paleontology, the fossilization process and stratigraphy, dinosaur adaptations and behaviours, the geologic time scale, and more.
Who this course is for:
This introductory course is intended for learners who want to know more about the study of dinosaurs. Anyone with a passion for the prehistoric past will appreciate this course. The material is designed for children in grades four to six, though can also be enjoyed by younger and older children. Adult supervision is recommended for some of our at home activities, but videos and quizzes can be completed independently. Children will need to create an account with an adult.
Introduction to Geology
Course Description:
Have you ever wondered what Earth looked like billions of years ago? How old is our planet? What causes earthquakes? How are rocks classified? Why does Alberta look different from other parts of the world? Topics covered in this course include minerals and rocks and their classification, processes occurring within Earth and at its surface, earthquakes, weathering and erosion, glaciers, volcanoes, and the rich geological history of Alberta.
Who this course is for:
This course is intended for anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. Anyone with a passion for the outdoors and the physical environment will appreciate this course. The material is designed for children in grades four to six, but can also be enjoyed by younger and older children. Adult supervision is recommended for some at-home activities, but videos and quizzes can be completed individually. Children will need to create an account with an adult.
Introduction to Minecraft
Course Description:
Have you ever wondered how to build awesome structures and mechanisms in Minecraft? Or maybe you’re still a beginner trying to figure out how to find your first diamond ore? No matter your current skill level, we invite you to Introduction to Minecraft, an online adventure into the most creative game around. Have an excellent time creating, crafting, and discovering. By the end of the course, you’ll have a fully customized base that you’ve built in your own world, complete with redstone contraptions, efficient farms, a mining system, and so much more.
Who this course is for:
This course is intended for learners who want to know more about everything Minecraft. Whether you play on the computer (Java edition) or tablet, phone, Xbox or PS4 (Bedrock Edition), you’ll learn some handy tips and tricks to become the best Minecrafter you can be! This online course is intended for children approximately in grades two to six, but all ages are welcome with parental support. The first module will cover the basics of Minecraft, so even if you have no experience,you are welcome to join. You will need a device that you’re able to play Minecraft on, and children will need to create an account with an adult.
Introduction to Space Science
Course Description:
Have you ever looked up at the stars on a clear night and wondered just how big the universe is, or how scientists can know so much about things so far away? Join us in this introductory space course to take a trip through the universe and explore these questions. This course provides introductory knowledge and activities for the topic of space science. Topics covered in this course include phases of the moon, constellations, meteorites, our solar system, black holes, and more.
Who this course is for:
This course is intended for learners who want to know more about our place in the universe, and some of the methods scientists use to study space. Anyone with a passion for space science will appreciate this course. The material is designed for children in grades four to six, but can be enjoyed by older and younger children. Adult supervision is recommended for some of our at-home activities, but videos and quizzes can be completed independently. Children will need to create an account with an adult.