Spark Lab Program: Course Proposals 2025

WHAT IS SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS?

Science Engagement Programs offers innovative and engaging programs designed to inspire youth and discover exciting topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Based out of the Faculty of Science at York University, our programs use a discovery and inquiry-based learning approach that is focused on ‘learning by doing’. Programming now includes York Science Saturdays, March Break Science Camp, Science Explorations Summer Day Camp, and the Spark Lab Program. More information about Science Engagement Programs can be found at: yorku.ca/science/youth-programs

WHAT IS SPARK LAB PROGRAM?

Spark’s Research Stream is a high school enrichment program offered through Science Engagement Programs that is designed exclusively for high-performing students who have a strong interest in science and mathematics. Spark Lab consists of a series of week-long, non-credit courses, for students in Grades 9-12 that run for the month of July. Considered one of Canada’s premier high school summer science enrichment program, students will study advanced topics in science, engineering, and applied mathematics that draw upon the research strengths of the Faculty of Science at York University.

Students will be guided through cutting-edge interdisciplinary topics through a series of lectures, hands-on workshops, experiments, demonstrations, and field trips. Courses are developed and delivered by professors, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and graduate students. More information regarding Spark Lab Program Institute can be found at yorku.ca/science/youth-programs/summer/spark-lab-summer-program

WHO CAN BE AN INSTRUCTOR?

Taking place in July, Spark Lab is a high school enrichment program for students with an interest in science and mathematics. The program will target gifted and/or high performing students, with the aim of attracting top students into the Faculty’s undergraduate programs. This summer program will consist of a series of week-long non-credit courses for students in grades 9 to 12, designed to highlight specific research strengths within the Faculty of Science.

Past instructors have included graduate students and faculty from the Faculty of Science, however, students and faculty from other Faculties at York University are also encouraged to apply. Students in undergraduate programs with significant research experience may also apply to teach Spark Lab. Past alumni, and individuals working in industry that have graduated from York University’s Faculty of Science or Faculty of Engineering are also encouraged to apply.

INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS

Upon course approval, successful applicants must submit the following to Science Engagement Programs:
• Current Vulnerable Sector Screen (police background check) for all Instructors
• Copy of their WHMIS II and Health and Safety training, issued within the past two years
• Instructors will be required to attend a six-hour training program, completed in June.
• Additional qualifications many be required, depending on the course submitted (for example, Biosafety training)

STIPEND

Students and faculty who wish to participate and teach with the Spark Lab Program will receive a stipend of $400.00 per course developed and $900 per course taught at the end of program (totaling $1,300.00). This stipend does not affect graduate and research funding graduate students already receive. The stipend received is also subject to taxes and other applicable deductions unique to each individual.

Instructors are expected to:
• Assist in obtaining course materials
• Maintain lab safety procedures with their students
• Clean their labs/classrooms daily
• Report attendance to the office admin
• Submit any required paperwork to Science Engagement Programs
• Other duties as outlined in the Staff Manual

To assist you with preparing information in your application, you can review the various sections required in Word format prior to submitting online:

Download the Course Proposal Document