Young witches and wizards experience the magic of science
Approximately 3000 people attended Let’s Talk Science’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry event on Sat, Nov. 5. Taking place at the University of Guelph for the second year, this Harry Potter–themed event began three years ago at the University of Alberta. This year’s event was made possible through numerous avenues of funding from U of G, a donation jar at the event, and the hard work of many volunteers.
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Those in attendance were between the ages of five and 12 and therefore a little young to have grown up with the Harry Potter universe. Still, this didn’t keep many of them from dressing up in their school robes and brandishing a finely decorated wand to win a duel. It was clear that the adults at the event had a fondness for the wizarding world themselves and had shared some of that fondness with the younger generation.
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The Summerlee Science Complex at U of G was jam-packed with demonstrations, concession stands, and crafts. While the activities were all clearly inspired by Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the aim was to show kids how science can be magical. The birds at Eeylops Owls Emporium were presented by Wild Ontario, while classes from Hogwarts were reimagined with a scientific twist.
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Chemistry became “Potions” class, where an ever-changing potion—or as muggles call it “The Oscillating Clock Reaction” —was brewed. Other classes, like “Divination,” were less focused on science as they included reading tea leaves and tarot cards.
PhD student and event coordinator Alexandra Swirski told The Ontarion that the event received support from a number of clubs on campus: the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, the Botany Club, the Horticulture Club, the Astronomy Club, and even someone from the nanoscience department. She added that other volunteers ranged from students in high school to graduate school, members of the community, as well as some who came in from out of province.
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The range of volunteers was evident in the styles of the demonstrators as well. Some of the demonstrators provided narratives related to Harry Potter while others gave no explanation of the science behind what they were doing. The demonstrators were all, however, able to answer any questions thrown their way. There were a few stations that did an exceptional job, particularly the demonstration of water transferring from one cup to another along a string due to cohesion which was explained in simple and clear terms.
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The Ontarion asked Swirski what she most enjoyed about what, by all accounts, had been a highly successful event from Let’s Talk Science.
“Seeing families together doing something and all being really engaged. I think this is one of the few events we put on that the parents are almost more excited than the kids, which is really nice to see parents out and about with their kids having fun and doing science-related stuff,” said Swirski.
The fun and magical day ended with tired kids being led away by caregivers, all wearing matching smiles.
Photos by Mariah Bridgeman.