Outreach and the Community
Midshipman Marine Connections
Midshipman Marine Connections is a partnership between the Aquatic Behavioural Ecology Lab (ABEL) from the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Let’s Talk Science, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the University of British Columbia Centennial Fund. Volunteers trained by the Vancouver Aquarium visit biology classes from high-priority schools in Surrey, British Columbia and teach students about marine habitat, local marine species, and field data collection techniques. The program culminates in a day-long field trip to a local beach where students engage in citizen science projects using skills taught during classroom visits. The program is intended to improve science literacy and highlight the importance of conservation. The program ran from 2016-2019 and is intended to take place annually, but is currently on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information about the Midshipman Marine Connections program, contact Dr. Sigal Balshine at . Learn more about ABEL and Let’s Talk Science by visiting our websites at https://abel.mcmaster.ca and https://outreach.letstalkscience.ca/ubc
Fishing For Science
Fishing For Science is a science outreach program in collaboration between the Aquatic Behavioural Ecology Laboratory (ABEL) from the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, and Let’s Talk Science (LTS). The program runs annually with grades 6 to 8 students from high-priority schools in Hamilton. Volunteers from ABEL and LTS run hands-on activities related to sustainability, water quality, and biodiversity while connecting these concepts to conservation activities and research in Hamilton Harbour. The program involves classroom visits and a field trip to Pier 4 Park, where students catch fish, weigh and measure invasive round gobies, and use microscopes! For more information, contact Dr. Sigal Balshine (director of ABEL) at . To learn more about ABEL and LTS, visit our websites at https://abel.mcmaster.ca and https://outreach.letstalkscience.ca/mcmaster.
Hamilton Brain Bee
The Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour is proud to host the Annual Hamilton Brain Bee, a neuroscience challenge for high school students in the Hamilton-Halton area (including Ancaster, Burlington, Dundas, Grimsby, Hamilton, and Stoney Creek). During the competition, students demonstrate their knowledge about the brain and neuroscience, including fascinating topics like memory, stress, movement, addiction, sleep, and neurological disorders. Students in grades 9-12 are welcome, and registration is free!
For more information, contact Dr. Judith Shedden at , or visit our website at https://brainbee.ca/local-bees/hamilton/.
Canadian National Brain Bee
The Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour is proud to host the Annual Canadian National Bree Bee, a neuroscience challenge for high school students across Canada! This event is meant to inspire young minds to pursue careers in scientific research and medicine. The winner of the Canadian National Brain Bee earns fame, prizes, a research internship, and a spot at the International Brain Bee!
For more information, contact Dr. Judith Shedden at , or visit our website at https://brainbee.ca.
LIVELab
The LIVELab is a 106-seat research-based performance theatre and testing centre. In addition to neuroscientific research, the LIVELab encourages creative use of technology in unique music and multi-media performances.
For more information on the LIVELab, email or visit us at https://livelab.mcmaster.ca.
McMaster Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
The McMaster Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) is an integrated network of academics and professionals in science and engineering fields. Together, we aim to support, celebrate, and advocate for diversity & equity at McMaster University and in our surrounding community through community outreach, mentorship, and an annual conference. McMaster WISE is organized by an interdisciplinary team of graduate and undergraduate students.
For more information, contact , or visit our website at www.science.mcmaster.ca/wise.
