iBEAM (Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Me) is a virtual outreach program designed to spark interest in science for students in Grade 7 – 8 where students apply science and technology to address modern challenges in human health.
Overview
Join us for this virtual iBEAM outreach program designed to give middle school students the chance to connect and learn from U of T graduate students!
These virtual online sessions will allow participants to interact with our graduate students to learn about tissue engineering, medical devices and to talk about life as a U of T student. The format of the sessions consists of fun and easy home experiments followed by question and answer time and online games and optional lunch.
iBEAM is designed for students entering Grades 7 or 8 in September. iBEAM encourages the participation of students from historically underrepresented communities in post-secondary studies and STEM fields.
Sessions
iBEAM Live—National Science Week!
- Sat, Sep 26 / 12 – 1 pm
- It’s national science week! Join us for a welcome session to learn more about U of T’s BME Biomedical Engineering and Me (iBEAM) outreach program. At this session, grade 7 & 8 will have a chance to meet with our graduate students, observe science experiments and have a virtual Q & A with U of T students.
iBEAM Activity 1—Spherification: Giving Your Juice a Protective Shell
- Sat, Oct 10 / 12 – 1 pm
- If you’ve ever questioned how scientists are able to protect things from the immune system, this is the activity for you! All you need is your favourite juice and a little chemistry! With this trick, you’ll be able to show your friends and family how to create a protective shield around different liquids. The best part is you can do it all from home!
iBEAM Activity 2—Disease Detective: How to Diagnose Disease?
- Sat, Oct 24 / 12 – 1 pm
- Have you wondered how doctors can find out so much about you with a few simple tests? Well it turns out you can do it too! Using materials from your kitchen, you’ll learn how to extract DNA, use paper chromatography and discover how scientists identify factors for diseases like COVID-19.
iBEAM Activity 1—Spherification: Giving Your Juice a Protective Shell
- Sat, Nov 7 / 12 – 1 pm
- If you’ve ever questioned how scientists are able to protect things from the immune system, this is the activity for you! All you need is your favourite juice and a little chemistry! With this trick, you’ll be able to show your friends and family how to create a protective shield around different liquids. The best part is you can do it all from home!
iBEAM Activity 2—Disease Detective: How to Diagnose Disease?
- Sat, Nov 21 / 12 – 1 pm
- Have you wondered how doctors can find out so much about you with a few simple tests? Well it turns out you can do it too! Using materials from your kitchen, you’ll learn how to extract DNA, use paper chromatography and discover how scientists identify factors for diseases like COVID-19.
Introduction to Your Ontario Universities
- Sat, Dec 5 / 12 – 1 pm
- Thinking about to university can be stressful. We are here for you! Sign up to hear from a U of T Recruitment Officer about Ontario’s universities. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions about U of T, the application process and planning for post-secondary in Ontario.
FAQ
If this is your first time registering for a program, please read the follow instructions on how to create an account and sign up for the sessions see below.
Is there a cost to participate?
- There is no cost to participate in iBEAM, however, registration is required.
How many students can you accommodate?
- Each virtual session can accommodate 15-20 students.
Where is this program being held?
- The sessions will be held virtually online using Zoom video conferencing. Zoom is a video conferencing tool and can be downloaded on your computer or device form the app store.
What do I need to participate?
- A quiet space at home where the student can be under the supervision of an adult
- A computer, mobile, or tablet device
- Access to the Internet. A minimum download speed of 5Mbps is strongly recommended.
- Microphone and web camera. Many devices are already equipped with speakers, microphones and cameras but it’s always good to test them out in advance.
- Some materials may be required for the activities.
What if I don’t have the materials at home?
- As much as possible, the activity materials will include items commonly found in your home. If you require assistance getting the materials for the activities, please contact Danielle Dinunzio
If you have any questions or concerns about registration or technology tools, please reach out to the Access and Community Engagement Coordinator, Danielle Dinunzio
