Science Circles

Science Circles is an enrichment program where students develop their curiosity about the world and the scientific way of thought needed to understand the natural phenomena of the physical world. The approach is to seamlessly integrate math and science, and learn to use mathematics as a tool for doing science.

Students will engage with fun scientific experiments and projects using data collection sensors, computer simulations, video cameras, and smartphone applications. 

Goals for Student Learning

  • Learn physics with new technologies and hands-on approaches not only in class also at home.
  • Turn smartphones/tablets into a pocket physics labs and conduct science experiments anytime and anywhere.
  • Remain curious about the world we live in; ask “How?”, “What if?” and “Why?” and know how to pursue the answers.
  • Become a young scientist by understanding the connection between everyday life and physics.
  • Understand and enjoy doing physics.
  • Learn to collaborate through project group work.

Program Details 2024/25

Class Schedule: In one year, there are 10 classes. (Online classes are 1 hour 45 minutes. In-Person classes are 2 hours).

Curriculum: Science Circles has the same curriculum for in-person and online classes. You can check the curriculum here

Location: UBC Vancouver Campus / Online

Eligibility:

  • Newton is open to new students who are in Grades 6 to 11.
  • Feynman I is open to new students who are in Grades 7 to 11.
  • Feynman II is open to students who graduated from Part 1.

Technologies Required: All students will need to have a laptop and cell phone/tablet to run the simulations and applications we'll be working with in our classes.

Capacity: All classes will have a maximum capacity of 24 students.

Materials: For online classes, experiment materials are sent to students’ homes so that they can do the fun science experiments themselves at home, with the guidance of their teacher. Students will be amazed at how fun doing science at home can be. For in-person classes, experiment materials will be made available in class.

"Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts."
Richard Feynman

Did You Know:

Richard Feynman was one of the most inspirational and well-known scientists of the 20th century. In 1965, he shared a Physics Nobel Prize for his discoveries of quantum electrodynamics. He was well-known for his unbounded curiosity, a great sense of humour, and enduring passion for arts and music. In 1986, he was able to figure out the cause of the Challenger disaster. Feynman once said, “The first principle (of science) is that you must not fool yourself – and you are the easiest person to fool.” It is a common belief that scientists are the people who know all the answers. However, in reality scientists are the people who keep asking questions, making mistakes, and trying again. These are the people, who enjoy figuring things out while trying not to fool themselves. Science is driven by humans’ curiosity about the world, their courage to ask questions and not to be afraid of making mistakes, and their perseverance in finding the answers. Sharing this human adventure will give students the opportunity to discover the physical laws that govern motion and interactions of objects big and small, close and far away, heavy and light.

Math teacher giving Math Circles classes
Children learning math
Children learning Math
Children group math activity