Every year during the months leading up to summer, teams of TWU students teach in the Science in the Valley and Salmon in the Valley programs.
These programs invite young learners to visit TWU's science labs and outdoor conservation areas, sparking kids' interest for subjects like chemistry, biology, and environmental stewardship.
Igniting joy in young learners for science
That moment when children’s eyes light up, when you can almost see the engines of their mind running — those are rewarding moments for Lara Ferreira and others who have taught in TWU’s Science in the Valley program.
A biology graduate, Lara, who is from Brazil, is pursuing her life goals in Canada. While studying at TWU, Lara contributed to the campus community in many ways. She worked as an Ambassador Coordinator for the University’s admissions office, building relational connections with families and students who are exploring Christian university education. She also worked as a marking assistant for TWU’s Biology department, and as a social media assistant for TWU’s Research and Graduate Studies office. As well, as a biology tutor with a TWU outreach program, she helped high school students succeed in their studies.
“We get incredible reviews from the community. Our teaching assistants (TWU students) are doing an excellent job.”
Science in the Valley at TWU
Last year, Lara was a teacher in TWU’s Science in the Valley program. She was part of a team who taught biology to elementary school students.
It brought Lara great joy to see the “aha moments” when kids learn something new. Lara explains that the team shared the work and took turns taking up various tasks such as lecturing and leading small groups to conduct experiments and hands-on learning activities.
Each teacher led according to their areas of expertise. Lara, who studied biology, led the dissection of a pig’s organ. She taught students how to safely handle tools like a scalpel, proper procedures for the removal of gloves, and how to follow lab protocols for health and safety.
Lara reflects on her time teaching in Science in the Valley and summarizes that “It was really cool — a great, great experience.”
Lara was not the only TWU student who found the experience of teaching science to young learners both positive and enriching.
Salmon in the Valley at TWU
Courtney Warkentin is an education major who taught in TWU’s Salmon in the Valley program. Courtney appreciated the chance to gain outdoor education experience that she can apply towards her teaching career. She also enjoyed the freedom that TWU students had to explore their own teaching style. “[We’re able] to deliver the curriculum in the way we're most comfortable with and have the opportunity for creativity and new ideas,” she said.
Thinking of her fellow teaching teammates, Courtney adds, “I could not have asked for a better group of people to work with! They made work fun, and we worked well together as a team.”
Elementary students participating in Salmon in the Valley get to see, touch, and explore the natural habitat of B.C.’s salmon and local wildlife at
TWU's Langley campus.
The Salmon in the Valley program was started in 2005 by Christopher Hall, Ecosystem Study Area Manager, and several TWU students, and it is tailored to match the BC Ministry of Education’s curriculum-prescribed learning outcomes for grades 3 and 4. Salmon in the Valley welcomes students from across the Lower Mainland, including kids from inner city schools and underprivileged schools.
Trinity Western's Ecosystem Study Area consists of 65 acres and includes a lake, forest, and several interconnected natural zones. Elementary students participating in Salmon in the Valley get to see, touch, and explore the natural habitat of B.C.’s salmon and local wildlife at TWU's Langley campus. Through a variety of activities and games, students learn about different species of Pacific salmon living in the wild and how to recognize them. They get their hands and boots wet by venturing into the creek to test water quality and measure pH levels. Finally, they are challenged to consider ways in which humans can help protect B.C.’s natural resources and support salmon and the local ecosystems to thrive.
Christopher considers Salmon in the Valley one of the highlights of his work at TWU. It brings him joy to be out in the natural environment of TWU’s Ecosystem Study Area and hosting the many students, teachers, and parents who come through Salmon in the Valley sessions every year.
“We get incredible reviews from the community,” Christopher said, “Our teaching assistants (TWU students) are doing an excellent job.”
See also: TWU students on the Salt Spring Island biology travel study explore plant and marine life
About Salmon in the Valley and Science in the Valley at TWU
Annually, over 3,000 young learners cycle through the classrooms, science labs, and outdoor learning spaces at TWU as participants in the Salmon in the Valley and Science in the Valley programs. Taught by TWU students and instructors, these science-focused programs are continuing to create memorable educational adventures and positive community connections throughout the Lower Mainland, as they have been for almost 20 years. Salmon in the Valley is supported in part by funding from the Salmon River Enhancement Society.
About the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at TWU
The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences offers exceptional and rigorous educational experiences, both in the classroom and the lab. As a TWU student, your science education will be delivered by capable, committed Christian educators who are not only experts in their fields but scholars who continually advance their disciplines through research. Mentorship is helped by our small class sizes—whether you choose to study biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, geography and the environment, geology, mathematics, or physics. Learn more at the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at TWU.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.