The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food.

– Dean Ornish

Can you believe it’s already the end of February?!

This month has felt like time spent in the company of best friends, where the hours have ticked past without recognition, and still somehow felt as if you’ve just arrived. I hope it’s been a month of joy, progress & connection, surrounded by those who champion your success. It’s true what they say, you are the sum of those you surround yourself with – and it’s this sense of community which is the theme for this month’s newsletter.

At the heart of any great science fair project, is a strong and supportive community – parents, teachers, mentors, friends. Sure, a student can come up with an innovative project all on their own, but it’s the encouragement, guidance and collaboration of a group that can take an idea to the next level. Sometimes it’s just nice to know others are facing the same challenges as you are!

📢 Exhibit and Experience 📢

What communities are you a part of? You might be in different friendship circles, sport teams, STEM clubs, hobby groups. What are the similarities you see in these groups? Write down how you feel about spending time with these groups. (Feel free to hit reply to this email and let me know what you look for from a community)

Did you know Youth Science Canada is building a community of STEM enthusiasts just like you?

• Easy Option – follow us on social media!
  We post alumni stories, memes, STEM opportunities and more! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube to keep up to date with all things science fair in Canada.
• Better Option – join us on Discord!
  I love STEM, you love STEM, let’s be friends! Our Discord server is the place to find students across Canada who share the same interests as you, and to find alumni who can provide the best advice on how to improve your projects, what to study, where to go to university etc. Come say hi!

 What is the purpleSTEMwave?

The purpleSTEMwave is a call to action for Canada’s youth to apply their natural curiosity and ingenuity to investigate scientific questions and develop innovative solutions to current and future challenges. It’s a community that celebrates and unites every young Canadian who asks ‘how’ and ‘why’ and transforms those powerful questions into action – in the form of a STEM project.

Just by reading this newsletter, you’re part of the purpleSTEMwave! Woohoo welcome!! There are more ways to be involved too – click here

Fun Stuff That’s Caught My Attention Recently

If you have something to share, fill out this form

• The collapse of insects is a beautiful example of science communication with gorgeous, yet informative graphics. I love the way they use storytelling to invite the viewer to read more (thanks Maria for the submission!)
• I love when scientific research leads to even more questions, especially when it’s helping rewrite our past. Check out this recent find in human evolution (thanks Katie for the submission!)
• Did you set a goal to read a certain number of books this year? Perhaps you might want to read this first – A Counterintuitive Way to Improve Your Reading Skills
• As a student, there never seems to be enough time to fit everything in, especially when all you really want to do is work on your science fair project – time management won’t solve your time problems though

This newsletter is a result of my own desire for community; it’s something new for YSC, so I’m bringing to life the scientific method of hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion. Each month I hope to explore a new theme related to our shared love of STEM and our desire to see the youth of Canada discover & maintain interest in scientific inquiry.

Whether you’re a diehard STEM fan, or just dabble in science fair projects, I hope you’ve found your people – those that want the best for you in this life, who can share in your success with smiling faces and love in their hearts. So go forth, connect, and have some fun exploring the amazing world of STEM with others!

Next month’s topic will be Storytelling – if you have a story, resource or suggestion to share, I would love to hear from you! Until then, stay curious.

💜 Much love!

Stuart McKelvie

Communications Manager

Youth Science Canada