From testing arsenic levels in rice to training artificial intelligence systems through trial and error, Ontario high school students explored how science shapes everyday life during Brock University’s 36th annual Scientifically Yours conference.

Held Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, the event welcomed 75 Grade 10 and 11 students from 17 high schools across Ontario.

Over the two days, participants immersed themselves in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as health sciences and psychology projects led by faculty, staff and students in the Faculties of Mathematics and Science, Applied Health Sciences and Social Sciences.

Participants completed six interactive projects while connecting with professionals working in medicine, university research and industry through networking events, panel discussions and a mentors’ dinner.

“Each year, we aim to bring new projects to the conference to facilitate opportunities for budding scientists to experience cutting-edge science at Brock,” says co-organizer Christene Carpenter-Cleland, Wet-Lab Supervisor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

This year’s projects introduced students to emerging areas of science and technology through practical experiments and demonstrations. Participants investigated whether washing rice lowers natural occurring arsenic levels using advanced laboratory equipment capable of detecting trace amounts of metals in foods. Other sessions examined colour-changing materials, “memory metals” that return to their original shape and superconductors that can make magnets float.

Students also learned how artificial intelligence systems improve through rewards and feedback, while another workshop showed how digital designs created with computer-aided design software can be turned into physical objects using laser-cutting technology.