TMU to host Ontario Science Centre lab for high school students
A new, weekly workshop will take place at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) thanks to a new partnership between the Ontario Science Centre and TMU’s SciXchange.
The interactive and innovative lab, DNA Fingerprinting (external link) , is open to grade 12 high school students from across Ontario. The first class will take place on Monday, March 17 in the university’s Kerr Hall.
The full-day workshop will be delivered at TMU by Ontario Science Centre Science educators on various dates from March through to June 2025. TMU science students will volunteer to help in the class.
The partnership came together when TMU’s SciXchange learned the Ontario Science Centre was hosting their programs in new ways at events and venues across the city and offered the TMU facility.
"We are thrilled to be able to host this lab at our campus. SciXchange has enjoyed collaborating with the Ontario Science Centre over the years. Their work is so important for the community and aligns with our mission to make science engaging and accessible," said Emily Agard, Director of SciXchange at TMU.
SciXchange is the outreach office for TMU’s Faculty of Science and engages youth on a regular basis in science workshops. It offers a variety of STEM labs for high school students on campus, including chemistry and physics. The DNA Fingerprinting class will be its first biology-based lab at this level.
In the DNA Fingerprinting course, students use biotechnology techniques and equipment to extract and amplify DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. Then students use gel electrophoresis to separate their DNA fragments and analyze their data to determine one's genotype and the genotypic frequency of inherited alleles.
The unique and cutting-edge program has always offered students an opportunity to use university-level equipment. Bringing the workshop to TMU allows students to use the specialized resources available there.
For more than 55 years, the Ontario Science Centre has inspired curiosity and discovery for all ages through fun, educational experiences. A leader in STEM learning, it offers livestream programs, school resources, and hands-on workshops to support students and teachers in any learning environment.
“The Ontario Science Centre’s DNA Fingerprinting workshop has been a popular and in-demand program for many years, engaging thousands of students from across the province in real-world biotechnology,” said Lorrie Ann Smith, VP, Learning and Engagement, Ontario Science Centre. “We’re proud to partner with TMU’s SciXchange to bring this exciting experience to even more students, strengthening our shared commitment to science education, communication, and community engagement."
Media opportunity
Members of the media are invited to register to attend the first DNA Fingerprinting class by emailing Lindsey Craig at lindseyc@torontomu.ca.
Date: Monday, March 17
Time (media opportunity): 1-1:30 p.m.
Location: 60 Gould St. (Under the eastern arch to the Kerr Hall Quad), Room
Interviews available:
- Leigh Paulseth, Science Outreach & Enrichment Coordinator, SciXchange, Toronto Metropolitan University
- TMU science student volunteers
- Tim Walker, Director, Learning Programs, Ontario Science Centre
- Ben Meagher, visiting high school teacher (St. Joseph College)
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About Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University is Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education. Urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the University is home to more than 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 225,000 alumni worldwide. www.torontomu.ca
About the Ontario Science Centre
For the past 55 years, the Ontario Science Centre has delighted and inspired millions to love science, technology and innovation. As we look ahead to our future state-of-the-art home along the waterfront, the Science Centre continues to spark curiosity by bringing science experiences to new places in new ways, including pop-up programs at events and festivals, feature exhibits, hands-on experiments with schools and more. Please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca (external link) for more information.
For media inquiries or to request to attend the lab:
Lindsey Craig
Toronto Metropolitan University
lindseyc@torontomu.ca
