A local science organization is using a Canadian space launch to inspire the next generation of students interested in science, technology, engineering and math. Science Timmins hosted a watch party Oct. 1 at the Science Village in Timmins as Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk launched into space as part of NASA’s Crew-13 mission. For students attending the event, watching the rocket launch offered a chance to see how lessons learned in the classroom can translate into real-world opportunities. Eric Letourneau, a science teacher at École secondaire catholique Thériault, brought his students to the watch party to give them that exposure. “I think it’s very important to expose them to different opportunities,” said Letourneau. “What brings somebody like Joshua Kutryk to space? He was a normal kid. He started in school just like everybody else. Those ideas, they have to come from somewhere.” Designed to encourage young people Watch party organizer Antoine Garwah said Science Timmins’ programs are designed to help young people explore where their interests could take them. “At that age, they’re really looking forward to the future,” said Garwah. “So when they see the rocket launch, they see the astronauts strapped inside and ask themselves, why not me? One day? So I, we hope that it just triggered this curiosity element.” For some of the Grade 9 students at the event, the launch was an introduction to careers and fields they may consider in the future. “I feel like it’s pretty interesting,” said Grade 9 student Mia Hallok. “There’s a bunch of cool stuff about it and science is a cool subject in general.” Fellow Grade 9 student Travis Beaudoin said his interests may lean more toward mechanical and technical fields. “Maybe not science, but something mechanical and engineering and stuff, and a heavy-duty mechanic,” Beaudoin said. “That’s pretty cool.” Science Timmins offers a range of programs to encourage students to explore STEM, including robotics, STEM challenges, Science Olympics and space-related activities such as rocketry.
