TMU hosts DNA workshops for Ontario high school students

Grade 12 students in Ontario have returned to the DNA lab of the Ontario Science Centre, now hosted at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). This new arrangement follows the Science Centre's closure last summer, when its building was deemed unsafe. The first workshop took place on Monday, welcoming a biology class from St. Joseph's College School in Toronto. Teacher Ben Meagher noted that he has included this workshop in his curriculum for over ten years. He called it an important opportunity for experiential learning that is hard to replicate in a standard classroom. Tim Walker, the director of learning programs at the Ontario Science Centre, said they will assess how the workshops at TMU go this school year before making long-term plans. He mentioned a desire to explore continuing this partnership if it proves successful. During the workshop, students performed DNA extraction and analysis, techniques similar to those used in criminal investigations. Meagher explained that students would compare their DNA samples with classmates to see similarities or uniqueness. The closure of the Ontario Science Centre took staff and visitors by surprise, forcing various programs, including summer camps and events, to relocate. The Centre plans to move to a new permanent location at Ontario Place, with projects scheduled to open later this year. In response to demand, TMU's outreach office began offering DNA and fingerprinting labs. Co-ordinator Leigh Paulseth reached out to the Science Centre to host the lab at TMU, making the arrangement work despite space challenges. TMU science students are volunteering to assist in the lab, gaining hands-on experience while helping high school students. Volunteer Xia Huynh expressed excitement about supporting younger students, emphasizing the importance of practical learning opportunities. Another student, Chandrima Bhowmika, highlighted the value of creativity and hands-on experiences in education.