July 2007

Future SET Offers Two New Programs in 2007

Now in its 13th year, Future Scientists, Engineers and Technologists (Future SET) continues to engage children in sophisticated, hands-on science activities. The goal of Future SET is to inspire children to become involved in science, engineering and technology, and to show them the opportunities that exist in these fields.

In 2007, Future SET introduced a new Saturday club for boys aged 7-14 called Boys Exploring Science Engineering and Technology [BE SET]. Along with the highly successful all-girls science club, Girl Quest [launched in 2002], BE SET was offered on alternate Saturdays at Memorial University [MUN] from February to June. Participants had fun in an all-boy environment as they participated in unique science, engineering and technology challenges. Activities included robot design, computer programming and building an amusement park.

The second new 2007 initiative was the two-day Enrichment Program for students in grades 6-12 who attended MUN for a day in April. The enrichment program, called Future SET Rocks the Labs!, exposed junior and senior high students to the many opportunities that science, engineering and technology have to offer. The program was eagerly received and more than 200 applications were received for 64 places. Students came from as far away as Carbonear, Arnolds Cove and Placentia. Memorial's Engineering Faculty supported this program and supplied lunch and tee shirts for the students.

In June, in partnership with Petro-Canada's, Future SET held the 2nd annual Minds in Motion Challenge for three grade 5 classes from St. Peters Elementary School in Mount Pearl. Delivered by Future SET staff and Petro-Canada scientists and engineers, the Challenge focused on the science of roller coasters, including potential and kinetic energy and six simple machines. Petro-Canada is a major sponsor of Future SET. An article on the Challenge was published in The Telegram on June 18th.

Future SET was founded in 1994 by Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, in conjunction with Memorial University. Future SET also offers summer science camps at MUN during July and August, and curriculum-based school workshops in May and June.

For more information on Future SET and its programs, please contact Sarah Osmond, Program Director, at 753-7714 or future@engr.mun.ca. Information can also be obtained from the website at www.futureset.ca.

© Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador