Summer science activities

Science rocks written in chalk on the ground

School may be out for the summer, but that doesn't mean you have to stop exploring and learning about science! We've put together a list of activities that will help keep kids entertained and might just remind adults why they fell in love with science in the first place. From hands-on learning opportunities to books and podcasts, to local adventures, our list is perfect for those looking to share their passion for science with the next generation!

Hands-on activities

  • The science of climate (PDF, 163 KB): From the temperate rainforests of our coast, to BC’s more extreme mountains and plateaux, to the drier regions of the south and east, the local climates or weather conditions (called microclimates) around British Columbia are amazingly diverse. Our global climate, or macroclimate, is changing as the Earth warms, but are BC’s microclimates changing too?
  • Build a remotely operated vehicle (PDF, 157 KB): The oceans are incredibly important, but we know relatively little about them, especially the deeper parts further away from our shores. How do you take measurements, collect samples, or explore where you can’t easily go in person? For many marine scientists, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are their eyes into the deep.
  • Explore the math of voting systems (PDF, 176 KB): There are many different voting systems, and the system chosen can have an impact on election outcomes. Check out how different voting systems may influence who gets elected.
  • Understand our forests (PDF, 307 KB): Trees and forests are a huge part of BC. Many of BC’s trees are conifers, and stay green all year. Let’s go outside and explore our conifers! Which ones live near you?
  • Explore the universe (PDF, 142 KB): Space is a big place, way bigger than we can really imagine, and it’s busy. Let’s take a trip through the universe on the fastest thing around—light—and do some stargazing.
  • The colour-changing sports drink: A classic chemistry demonstration that you can actually drink! Created by Scott McIndoe, professor of chemistry.
  • The biology of sounds in the ocean: All the resources for this classroom workshop exploring sound in the ocean are available on the Fish Sounds Educate website (check out the downloadable workshop resources). There’s nothing stopping you from using the resources to run your own little individual workshop!
  • Quantum navigator activity booklet: Created by Quantum BC and recommended by physics professor Rogerio de Sousa, explore the exciting world of quantum computing through this interactive comic booklet full of activities.
  • Quantum navigator video game: Created by Quantum BC and recommended by physics professor Rogerio de Sousa, explore the exciting world of quantum information through the eyes of Joey, our wonderful cheery hero.

Games

  • Science-themed Connections games: Are you familiar with Connections, the popular New York Times daily word game? Test your puzzle skills and your science skills with some UVic- and science-themed puzzles, made just for you by us!
  • FishSounds colouring book (PDF): Created by the FishSounds Educate team, this colouring book provides fun pages to colour, while also sharing some basic information about fish sounds!
  • Math & crafts: Did you know that things like knitting, embroidery and origami all involve math? Jane Butterfield, assistant teaching professor in math, has put together a blog all about math and crafts.

Books, podcast and videos

  • The best popular science books: Looking to curl up with a book while also learning more about an area of science? Earlier this year, we asked the experts (our faculty and staff) for their favourite popular science reads, and they delivered!
  • Books for kids: While the above book list is more geared towards high school students and adults, we do have some recommendations for younger kids too!
  • Dr. Trefor’s YouTube channel: Did you know that Dr. Trefor Bazett, associate teaching professor in math, is also a popular YouTuber?! With over half a million subscribers, his YouTube channel helps students learn that basics of complex math topics, and introduces viewers to the fun side of math! We recommend you start by exploring the beautiful geometry of bubbles or climate modelling in four levels of complexity.
  • Listen to the Codcast: The Codcast is a podcast produced by the Juanes Lab here at UVic, all about the discovery of a sound—the grunt of the Arctic cod. The podcast introduces listeners to the study of fish sounds and why it’s important, passive acoustics monitoring and the impact of human-caused noise pollution in the ocean. The podcast is only four episodes, each less than 20 minutes!
  • Physics on YouTube: If you’re interested in exploring physics this summer, Travis Martin, assistant teaching professor in physics and astronomy has a few recommendations for YouTube channels to explore.
    • Physics Girl: For younger audiences, Physics Girl is fantastic. She’s been on hiatus for years due to long COVID, but her old videos are wonderful.
    • Dr. Becky: A bit more advanced, this YouTuber is definitely able to communicate effectively to interested teenagers.
    • Minute Physics: Good for short, easy to watch videos aimed at non-expert audiences.

Get out and about

  • Astronomy Open House: Come check out the UVic Observatory. View the stars through our telescopes and join in on discussions about astronomy. Every Wednesday until August 27th, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. on the 5th floor of the Bob Wright Centre.
  • Mystic Vale Tree Walk (PDF): Go for a walk through the beautiful Mystic Vale, and with the tree walk guide, you can learn about 14 different types of trees!
  • UVic Campus Tree Walk (PDF): Did you know that there are over 40 different types of trees on campus? Go on a walk and see how many you can find!
  • iNaturalist: Download the inNaturalist app and take it on your next outdoor adventure! You can record you encounters with other organisms, crowdsource identifications and build your knowledge of local biodiversity.
  • Merlin Bird ID: Get to know the local birds by sound using Cornell’s Merlin Bird ID app, recommended by SEOS adjunct professor Camille Brillon.