It was a Saturday filled with learning, family, and fun at the University of Guelph-Humber’s (U of GH) Science Rendezvous event, as the atrium and hallways were transformed into a space filled with interactive exhibits about science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) that inspired children, youth, and people of all ages!
This free event is meant to spark an interest in STEAM education from a young age and make learning accessible for all attendees. U of GH aims to empower the community and the next generation of learners through Science Rendezvous.
“Kids get to see real-world applications of what they might learn in school, talk directly with students and professionals in STEAM, and explore how curiosity can lead to innovation. It breaks down the idea that science is something only done in labs and shows that creativity and exploration are key parts of STEAM,” U of GH Kinesiology Associate Head Dr. Robert Gumieniak said, who helped organize and run the event (along with an enthusiastic group of staff and student volunteers).
Science Rendezvous is Canada’s largest annual science festival, holding various events across the country, with Guelph-Humber’s taking place on May 10, 2025. The event featured interactive, hands-on activities that made complex scientific and technological concepts easy to digest and welcomed new partners like the Ontario Science Centre. Also present at the event were Humber Sustainability, Humber E-sports, Humber Engineering/Women in Engineering, robotics clubs – and so much more.
“We attract individuals from the community to this event that may have never stepped foot in a university before, may not have anyone in their family in the STEAM fields or who have gone to university,” U of GH Kinesiology Chair Dr. Leslie Auger said, who brings her own children each year to Science Rendezvous. “Kids play and explore, high school students engage with university students as mentors, and parents learn about the university and about various community organizations that offer services they may benefit from.”
It's important to expose children and youth to STEAM because it builds foundational skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, Dr. Gumieniak said. In the coming decades, society will see fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, environmental engineering, renewable energy, data science, and advanced manufacturing grow; some of these jobs don’t even exist yet but will emerge through novel innovations, as the children of today become the professionals of tomorrow.
“By sparking interest at a young age, we nurture a generation that’s better equipped to face the challenges of the future – whether it’s climate change, health care, or building ethical technology. Early inspiration can shape lifelong passions and career paths,” he added.
Non-profit organization Let’s Get Together is one of the event’s partners. Founder Alison Canning shared a key initiative that took place at the event to help underserved communities: collecting e-waste and distributing refurbished computers for those in need. Recipients were able to pick a computer up at the event.
“It is about getting people on the path of education. And [it’s about] recognizing that education, whether it's STEAM or non-STEAM, that everyone needs and deserves an education no matter what their starting point is,” Canning said.
Also new this year were two awards given to acknowledge groups who support and advance science in the community: the Community Engagement Award celebrated a local high school robotics club's recent achievements and thanked them for their ongoing participation at the Science Rendezvous event and the Community Partner Engagement Award, appreciating the 22nd Scouts Canada group for their involvement leading up to the event and U of GH student collaboration in completing their badge activities.
Moreover, Dr. Auger said that Science Rendezvous partners set up with activities at the event noted that the sense of community was unlike any other event they had attended. It's a genuine gathering to facilitate the discovery of something new for everyone who attends.
To learn more about Science Rendezvous, click here.
To learn more about U of GH’s partnership with Scouts Canada and Girl Guides of Canada, click here.
