Dawson students are helping bring science to life for younger learners through an interactive workshop at the Montreal Biodome that blends art, technology and education.

The initiative is part of L’Écho des Plantes, a collaboration involving the AgeTeq lab at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie, Opéra de Montréal and students in Dawson’s SciArt Club. As part of an extracurricular activity led by teacher Annie-Hélène Samson, students are designing and animating workshops on photosynthesis for primary and secondary school groups.

Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, an ALC student, contributed by developing an interactive game to explain scientific concepts. “I was primarily responsible for designing a basic game system which the students attending the workshop interacted with,” he said. “The goal was to create an interactive experience that would break down the concepts of photosynthesis.”

Kaleb said the project allowed him to merge creative and technical skills while learning how to tailor content to a specific audience. “Getting to present to a vaster and more specific audience pushed me to design my game with my audience in mind,” he said.

The workshops emphasize engagement through creative approaches, including games, performance and storytelling. “If students are invested in the games and presentations, they become interested in what we’re trying to teach and better retain the information,” said Emily Lucas, who will help lead an upcoming session in May.

Mohamed Younes, another student involved in the project, highlighted the value of combining disciplines. “Through using these ‘techniques’, teaching science becomes more accessible and fun,” he said, noting that the workshop will use props and interactive elements to explain photosynthesis.

Students also pointed to the collaborative nature of the initiative. “Getting to work in such an environment, with such dynamic individuals, was an overall amazing experience,” Kaleb said.

A special treat for Kaleb was getting to see “two short, extraordinary opera performances by our fellow animators at the Opéra de Montréal. I was personally taken aback by the power of opera; it was delightful to be a part of!”

A second workshop is planned for May, with additional Dawson students participating.