S.E.T. Day inspires future scientists and engineers
High school students explore cutting-edge research at UM
Science, Engineering and Technology (S.E.T.) Day is an annual event that provides Grade 11 and 12 students with hands-on research experiences to spark their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related careers and to demystify the path to post-secondary education in these fields. This year’s event set a new attendance record, welcoming 220 students from 39 high schools across southern Manitoba.
Hosted by the Associate Vice-President (Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation) Office and supported by 30 volunteers from UM Let’s Talk Science, S.E.T. Day provided an immersive experience in cutting-edge research and hands-on learning.
Students and teachers travelled for as much as two and a half hours to attend S.E.T. Day, including a group from Alonsa School, located west of Lake Manitoba.
S.E.T. Day participants from Alonsa School (L-R): Teacher Matthew Reimer, Tyson Flett, Ethan Dayholos, Liam Kitching, teacher Sarah Doran and Georgia Strong.
“We come from a small community, and there is a lot here at UM that we just wouldn’t see in Alonsa and other rural communities,” said Matthew Reimer, a science teacher at the school.
Sarah Doran, a math teacher at Alonsa School, highlighted the value of the experience for her students.
“With our wide range of student ages, learning levels and interests, we don’t always have the ability or resources to explore topics in depth. S.E.T. Day has been an amazing exposure for our students to just a small sample of the opportunities available to them after graduation,” Doran said.
Fifteen UM research and student groups provided hands-on workshops in morning and afternoon sessions. These included the UM Robotics Team, WISE Kid-Netic Energy and the Lockhart Planetarium.
“I signed up for S.E.T. Day because I wanted to explore opportunities available and what UM has to offer,” said Liam Kitching, a student at Alonsa School. “Just because we come from a small community like Alonsa doesn’t mean we’re limited to a rural life.”
Students from Alonsa School attended the College of Nursing virtual-reality (VR) technology lab. “VR creates an engaging personal learning space. We would love to have tools like that back home,” said student Tyson Flett.
For some, the experiences helped solidify their career aspirations.
“I see nursing as a good opportunity for my future and now I understand the path to get there,” said Georgia Strong, Alonsa School student. “It’s an opportunity to help people and give back to my community. I hope to get in the nursing program when I graduate.”
The Associate Vice-President (Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation) Office aims to continue to expand access for S.E.T. Day to meet increasing demand and provide more students from outside Winnipeg with this transformative experience, supporting UM’s position as the university for all Manitobans.
“Living in an urban centre like Winnipeg, we sometimes forget how difficult it can be to have easy access to cutting-edge education and innovations,” said Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, associate vice-president (partnerships, knowledge mobilization and innovation).
“S.E.T. Day helps bridge that gap by offering young people from across the province a unique opportunity to engage with STEM. The growing interest each year shows how interested our youth is in STEM careers, which gives me great optimism for our province.”
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.