The topics were science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, but the prevailing message at a recent Brantford STEAM conference was one of hope.
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Nearly 800 students, 50 staff members from the local school boards, 40 volunteers and 75 guest presenters gathered for the 2024 Vision into the Future conference on May 1, organized by a committee of local science teachers and held at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus and the Sanderson Center.
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Students, many of them members of STEAM clubs at their schools, attended workshops and seminars put on by staff from universities and colleges and by industry professionals. They were taught, among other things, about brain dissection, coding, robotics, stem cell research, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, forensics and climate change.
“They learned about material and subjects that are never discussed in the current high school curriculum,” said David Page, head of the science department at Assumption College and one of the event organizers. “This exposes them to new avenues of study at university or college that could lead to potential career choices. The passion and knowledge these experts in the field bring to the table is certainly more than can be expressed by your typical STEAM teachers.”
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All those weighty lessons were delivered with the aim of instilling hope in the young participants.
“Life today is better than it was 100 years ago and, with advances in science and technology, it will be better 100 years from now,” Page said. “We want to share this optimism and excitement about the future as they are the instruments of change.
“With such a variety, there were bound to be topics that would resonate with students. Hopefully, as presenters shared their knowledge and passion for their subject matter, it will have a profound influence in the way students view the world.”
The conference began with a keynote talk by Sam Demma, a bestselling author and youth motivational speaker, whose message that everyone is carrying the weight of the thoughts and opinions of others was symbolized by an enormous red backpack slung over his shoulders.
“We need to shed ourselves of this burden, and treat others with kindness and respect, so we can start making the impact we’re supposed to create in our lives,” said Page of Demma’s message.
The conference ended with students taking to the internship at the Sanderson Center to talk about what they’d learned.
The event was supported by Laurier, the Grand Erie District School Board, the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board and the Hillier Foundation.
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