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Home » Summer » Spark Lab Summer Program (Grade 9-12)

Spark Lab Summer Program (Grade 9-12)

Information for our Summer 2025 programs is posted below, and registration is now open to the public.

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Immerse yourself in a transformative educational experience with our Spark Lab Programs—a series of week-long sessions meticulously crafted for students in grades 9 to 12 seeking dynamic, hands-on exploration of science.

Using experiment-based lab work, students explore physics, biology, and chemistry within our undergraduate student spaces. Escape the traditional classroom and join us on a journey of scientific discovery through experimentation.

The Spark Lab Program is an open-enrollment program, offering convenience and accessibility to eager learners. Secure your spot through online registration and foster a passion for science through immersive, interactive learning experiences.

Register for Spark Lab Program today!

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Grade Level

Grades 9-12

Dates

Weekly from July 7 to August 1, 2025

Time

9:30am to 3:30pm

Pricing

$495.00

Summer 2025 Course Schedule

Courses fall under the following streams: Experimental and Research.

Experimental Spark courses are developed and delivered by undergraduate/graduated students, Teacher Candidates, or Ontario Certified Teachers through hands-on, interactive, and innovative activities.

Research Spark courses are developed and delivered by graduate students and/or Professors and are based on the research they are doing at York.

Register for Spark Lab Program today!

We're thrilled to announce that Science Explorations Summer Camps is coming again to Markham and registration will open soon! We are in the process of confirming a location at the new state-of-the-art Markham Campus, located at 1 University Boulevard, Markham. These enriching and fun-filled summer experiences offer a diverse range of activities and themes designed to inspire creativity, foster learning, and create lasting memories.

We are excited to expand our offerings to include high school students (grades 9-10). Tentative schedule is listed below. Information is subject to change based on confirmation of space.

These are a Spark Lab Experimental stream courses and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 80-85%

Anatomy and Physiology

Grade: 9/10 | Date: July 7-11, 2025

Throughout this intensive program, participants will embark on a fascinating journey into the depths of human and animal biology. Through a blend of interactive lectures, laboratory experiments, and hands-on dissections, we will delve into key physiological concepts. Hands-on dissections will provide invaluable opportunities to examine the anatomical features of organs like the heart, brain, and musculoskeletal system, fostering a deeper understanding of their structure-function relationships. Investigate the effects of different stimuli on muscle contraction, exploring the physiology of the nervous system through sensory perception tests, and more. Participants will develop a profound appreciation for the complexity of the human body and gain practical skills in laboratory techniques and anatomical exploration.

Biomedical Science

Grade: 9/10 | Date: July 14-18, 2025

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of biomedical science! This week-long course is designed to spark curiosity, ignite passion, and inspire the next generation of scientists and healthcare innovators. Students will investigate how science transforms lives through exploring cell biology, DNA extractions, dissections, medical technology and imaging, vaccines, and more! This course will encourage students to explore and consider careers in biomedical science.

Forensic Science

Grade: 9/10 | Date: July 21-25, 2025

If you're interested in solving mysteries with the help of science, then learn how to become a Forensic Scientist as we explore all facets of forensic investigations. Students will be faced with challenging questions and scenarios to discover what happened at the crime scene, what evidence is there, and who is the perpetrator. Students will uncover evidence and learn investigative techniques including how to dust for fingerprints, DNA analysis, examine blood splatter, footwear and tire tread impressions and more. Solve our most interesting puzzles and delve into the mind of an investigator by processing a crime scene at York University.

Date: June 30 to July 4, 2025

Grade: 9 to 10

This is a Spark Lab Experimental stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 80-85%

Astronomy has captivated the human imagination for centuries, and we are closer to space than we’ve ever been before! Dive into the mysteries of the universe as you explore distant galaxies and learn about the life cycles of star. Gain a deeper understanding of the cosmos through hands-on activities and interactive lectures on the York University Keele Campus. Whether you're a budding astronomer or simply curious about the night sky, this course offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, engage with astronomers, and ignite your passion for space exploration. Join us for an unforgettable journey among the stars!

Date: July 7-11, 2025

Grade: 9 to 10

This is a Spark Lab Experimental stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 80-85%

If you're interested in solving mysteries with the help of science, then learn how to become a Forensic Scientist as we explore all facets of forensic investigations. Students will be faced with challenging questions and scenarios to discover what happened at the crime scene, what evidence is there, and who is the perpetrator. Students will uncover evidence and learn investigative techniques including how to dust for fingerprints, DNA analysis, examine blood splatter, footwear and tire tread impressions and more. Solve our most interesting puzzles and delve into the mind of an investigator by processing a crime scene at York University.

Grade: 9/10 | Date: July 14-18, 2025

This is a Spark Lab Experimental stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 80-85%

Throughout this intensive program, participants will embark on a fascinating journey into the depths of human and animal biology. Through a blend of interactive lectures, laboratory experiments, and hands-on dissections, we will delve into key physiological concepts. Hands-on dissections will provide invaluable opportunities to examine the anatomical features of organs like the heart, brain, and musculoskeletal system, fostering a deeper understanding of their structure-function relationships. Investigate the effects of different stimuli on muscle contraction, exploring the physiology of the nervous system through sensory perception tests, and more. Participants will develop a profound appreciation for the complexity of the human body and gain practical skills in laboratory techniques and anatomical exploration.

Grade: 9/10 | Date: July 21-25, 2025

This is a Spark Lab Experimental stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 80-85%

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of biomedical science! This week-long course is designed to spark curiosity, ignite passion, and inspire the next generation of scientists and healthcare innovators. Students will investigate how science transforms lives through exploring cell biology, DNA extractions, dissections, medical technology and imaging, vaccines, and more! This course will encourage students to explore and consider careers in biomedical science.

Grade: 9/10 | Date: July 28-August 1, 2025

This is a Spark Lab Experimental stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 80-85%

Acids, bases, chemicals, and more! This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore chemistry through hands-on experiments and laboratory techniques. Students will learn lab safety and procedures, understand basic chemistry and explore different types of reactions. Different methods will also be taught to provide a foundation for students to enter into their 11th and 12th grade chemistry classes, to become more confident and capable, so that they may excel even further! Techniques such as dilution, distillation, filtration, titration, and more will be taught in this experiment-driven course.

Grade: 11/12 | Date: July 28-August 1, 2025

This is a Spark Lab Experimental stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 80-85%

Description: Embark on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of the human body through engaging experiments and hands-on activities! Ever wondered what lies beneath your skin, powering every heartbeat and breath? Get ready to uncover the mysteries of anatomy as we delve into dissections of vital organs like the heart and lung, revealing their intricate structures and functions. But that's just the beginning! We'll also delve into the fascinating realm of immunology and disease, conducting experiments to understand how our bodies defend against pathogens and maintain health. From investigating homeostasis and the delicate balance within our internal environment to comparing the anatomy of humans with that of other animals, every day promises new discoveries. Join us for a week filled with exploration, discovery, and a deeper understanding of the incredible complexities of the human body!

Grade: 11/12 | Date: July 7-11, 2025

This is a Spark Lab Research Stream course and it is recommended that students have a minimum overall average of 85%-90%.

Course Description

Dive into the fascinating world of environmental biotechnology, focusing on microbial processes that drive sustainable innovations. Through hands-on experiments and design challenges, explore advanced microplastics filtration techniques, fermentation optimization for renewable biofuel production, microbial physiology, and biofilm development. Learn about digital microscopy and colony analysis, conduct quantitative fermentation experiments, investigate biofilm reactor design for wastewater treatment, and complete a design challenge for a multi-stage filtration system prototype. Emphasizing data-driven inquiry and experimental design, the course fosters quantitative analysis, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, integrating scientific, economic, and environmental perspectives to equip students with the tools to propose sustainable solutions for real-world challenges.

About the Instructors

Lachi Wankhede, Khyati Joshi and Gaurav Bhardwaj are doctoral candidates at York University, specializing in Civil Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering, respectively. Lachi, with degrees in Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology from IIT Roorkee, focuses on enhancing lipid accumulation in oleaginous yeast for sustainable biofuel production, integrating engineering principles with biological insights. She also contributes as a teaching assistant in Natural Sciences courses, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence. Gaurav, a Gold Medalist in Bioprocess Engineering from IIT Roorkee, researches the environmental impacts of microplastics in water treatment systems to improve water quality and public health. He actively engages in teaching and mentoring, with his work recognized through awards and publications. Khyati, with degrees in Industrial Biotechnology and Biotechnology, is working in the bioleaching of critical metals from waste. All scholars aim to advance sustainable practices and innovative solutions in their fields.

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Grade: 11/12 | Date: July 14-18, 2025

This is a Spark Lab Research Stream course and it is recommended that students have a minimum overall average of 85%-90%.

Course Description

Are you curious about how medications are discovered, produced, and how they work in our bodies? In the Pharmaceutical Chemistry course, you will learn answers to these and many other interesting questions about common medicines like Tylenol or Pepto Bismol and more complex drugs that treat heart disease, cancer, and viral and bacterial infections. In addition to classroom lectures and discussions of these topics, students partaking in the course will gain hands-on experience working with several drugs in a chemical laboratory performing their synthesis and analysis. Students will also explore the structure of the drugs and how they interact with their targets using Virtual Reality (VR) technology. By the end of the course, the participants will have learned several interesting examples, methods and techniques used in modern pharmaceutical chemistry and have learned the foundations of drug action in the human body.

About the Instructors

Taught by Dr. Derek Jackson and Dr. Kyle Belozerov

Chemistry Professors Kyle Belozerov and Derek Jackson have won a provincial honour for innovative teaching: the Minister’s Award of Excellence in the Future-Proofing Ontario’s Students, which recognizes faculty and staff who have led the way in adapting programs that support new ways of learning. 

They received the award for their work with virtual reality (VR) in chemistry courses. Motivated by the desire to help students learn the structure and behavior of complex molecules, the team leveraged the unique capabilities of VR to teach students about these molecules in a completely new, immersive and engaging, as well as accessible and equitable, way. The team developed a variety of interactive VR activities designed to help students manipulate molecules and research crucial aspects of the structure underlying their reactivity and biological function. The ability to mentally manipulate complex objects in three-dimensional space, known as “3D literacy,” is a crucial skill for all students majoring in STEM disciplines, and it is highly valued in the modern science and technology work environment.

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Grade: 11/12 | Date: July 21-25, 2025

This is a Spark Lab Research stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 85%-90%.

Course Description

Genetics plays a crucial role in the biological functions of all animals. In fact, scientists use fruit flies to learn more about how our bodies function, including excretion, and how our hormones control different processes. Even though fruit flies are tiny, they actually share about 60% of their genes with humans and have 14,000 genes in total! This makes them an excellent model for learning about physiological systems like the excretory and endocrine systems. In this course, you will dive into the fascinating world of genetics and see how small changes in genes can affect an organism's health and behaviour. You will get to work with specialized tools that scientists use to explore genes, like the GAL4/UAS system, which allows them to turn genes on and off in fruit flies. This method allows researchers to test different gene functions and observe the effects of genetic modifications. Plus, you will gain hands-on experience by dissecting fruit flies and conducting experiments to see how their genes affect things like hormonal regulation and survival in different situations. We will also explore how genetics plays a role across all living organisms and how it contributes to their optimal functioning.

About the Instructor

Marishia Agard is currently pursuing a PhD in biology at York University. Her research focuses on how the neuroendocrine system regulates the excretory system, utilizing the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) genetics to gain insights into the function of hormones in animals. Marishia has previously developed and taught summer courses at the Spark Labs of the Science Engagement Programs, including "Introduction to Genetics" and "Genetic Analysis: Bridging the Gap in Biological Understanding," which covered molecular, cellular, genetic, and physiological techniques. She also has extensive experience in teaching laboratory techniques and conducting STEM activities, having served as both a camp instructor and camp counsellor for the Science Engagement Programs. Currently, Marishia is the teaching assistant coordinator for undergraduate biology courses in animal physiology at York University. Her ultimate goal is to continue researching the role of genetics in the context of animal physiology while also teaching students.

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What do parents and campers have to say about our camps?

Very engaging topics. Marishia was a kind, helpful, and insightful instructor. Learned a lot about future careers related to science and what courses and degrees I should pursue in order to get them. - Student, Genetics in Biological Systems 2024

John was the best counselor. He was very attentive and answered all my questions about high school and university. He made all the activities to be fun and inclusive and I’m so happy I got him as my counselor. I enjoyed this week of Anatomy and Physiology so much and would love to come back next year! - Student, Anatomy and Physiology 2024

The program was engaging, exciting and thrilling for my son and he is wanting to get back more to the laboratory space. In his words, "Nothing beats the excitement of hands-on experiments and scientific exploration at camp!" - Parent 2024

All of the activities are fun, and our instructor Emily is amazing! She taught us many professional techniques and generously mentored us with tips and advices she summarized from her own experience in university and the medical field. I love this camp, thank you York! - Student, Health and Anatomy 2024

All three teachers were very enthusiastic, friendly, outgoing, and approachable. They love to interact with the class, they explain the concepts well and were very open to answering questions during lessons which were great. Our projects have been very interesting and we have gotten a lot of hands on experience in labs working with different equipment we would never have access to at school. The lab work was easily my favourite part of the camp. The timing of the projects is also pretty good, time allotted is sufficient and we are rarely sitting idle. Using the VR headsets has been especially memorable, as I've never been able to interact with 3D models in such an environment, and I don't think I would be able to get this experience anywhere else. All projects are something I would not be able to complete on my own at home, which I'm glad about as it justifies commuting so far. I'm also happy that some of the information presented is beyond grade level expectations, as I enjoy the challenge and getting a preview of what I will learn in the future. Finally, I really liked how we were able to walk through the research labs on the last day, as this was a huge mystery to me before. I had heard of several of these machines but being able to actually see the processes in action for myself was great. Overall this was an unforgettable experience! - Student, Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2024

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