OPEN STUDIO
Steven's Lab
Inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Steven’s Lab inspires the imaginations of future innovators through engaging hands-on experiences with real scientific tools. Its mission is to empower young minds to harness the power of science as a catalyst for positive change in the world.
Experiments
- ON NOW
- HEAT UP THE HOLIDAY
SIZZLIN' SCIENCE
Chemistry has never been hotter and you can hold it all in the palm of your hand by making your own handwarmers! Use those lab skills and discover the power of exothermic reactions.
Hours
Until Dec. 21
Mon. - Thurs.: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fri. - Sun. & holidays: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
From Dec. 22 – 31
Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM*
*exceptions for special holiday closure hours. See Spark schedule for more.
- PAST EXPERIMENT
- BLOOD LAB
Hematology Heist
Solve the Mystery of the Missing Beakers!
Put on your detective hat and solve the missing beaker mystery using real blood analysis techniques. Analyze samples from four suspects, match the A, B, AB, or O blood type left behind, and catch the culprit. Use your science skills to crack the case in this fun, hands-on activity!
- PAST EXPERIMENT
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AI Playground 2.0
The AI Playground is back and better than ever, with an array of new tools to tickle your neurons. Participants utilized new image-generating tools, created their own chatbots, and much more. They gained insights into AI’s potential pitfalls, from misinformation to scams.
Guests didn’t miss the chance to be dazzled by AI whiz and influencer, Kenny Vo.
- PAST EXPERIMENT
- SWING INTO SCIENCE
A Primatology Adventure
Inspired by the pioneering work of Jane Goodall, participants tested their research skills through video observations of real primate subjects in Costa Rica. Participants compared the feeding rates of Black-Handed Spider Monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) and White-Faced Capuchins (Cebus imitator), while learning how Primatologists use primates to gain insight into human behaviour.
- PAST EXPERIMENT
- BOTANICA DA VINCI
Leonardo’s Leafy Symphony
Guests explored the connection between art, science, and nature and turned bioelectric signals into plant-powered melodies. Participants discovered the Indigenous connections to plant communication and reciprocity while learning more about the biology of these amazing living organisms.
- PAST EXPERIMENT
- JINGLE LAB
Unwrapping the Wonders of Gallium
In this playful experiment, guests witnessed the mesmerizing shift of gallium gingerbread figurines as they melted before their eyes, leaving only shimmering liquid metal in hand. But, for the science didn't end there! The gallium was recast back into adorable gingerbread shapes, ready to be enjoyed all over again.
- PAST EXPERIMENT
- OWL DISSECTIONS
Whooo's For Dinner?
As long as participants didn’t have skelephobia, they had a hoot digging into real regurgitated owl pellets to find the skeletal remains of their dinner!
Plus, they learned about owl biology along the way - don’t worry, no owlgebra was required.
- PAST EXPERIMENT
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AI Playground
Guests played with some of the newest AI generating tools on the market and create your own work of AI art.
Plus, they learned how to create their own AI personalities to use at home, trained a new AI program, used generative AI video to create something incredible for TikTok, and much more.
Past Visiting Scientists
Kenny Vo
Kenny is an engineer and programmer with a passion for building robots and developing innovative technologies. He is currently focused on create a healthcare companion AI named Eevee, designed to enhance patient care and save lives. With extensive experience collaborating with healthcare professionals, Kenny leverages his technical skills to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare. In addition to his development work, he regularly live streams to share his expertise and experiences with his online audience of over 250,000 followers.
Janice McNernie
Janice has a vast knowledge of primates due to her 22- career working in various zoological institutions. From great apes to monkeys to prosimians, she has husbandry experience with over 35 different species of primates. On top of that, Janice is a previous student of Anthropology at the University of Calgary and has worked in Ghana as a research assistant studying mother and infant behaviour in Black and White Colobus monkeys.
Megan Mah
Megan is a master's student studying primatology in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Calgary. Her current research explores impacts of aging on the behaviour of white-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica. In addition to capuchins, Megan has worked with howler monkeys in Belize, spider monkeys in Costa Rica, as well as red-fronted lemurs and Milne-Edwards's sifakas in Madagascar.
Dr. Tatenda Mambo
Dr. Tatenda Mambo is a postdoctoral scholar in the University of Calgary’s Sustainability Studies program in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. He also manages the experimental Simon Farm. Tatenda brings his vast knowledge of fungi and plants to Steven’s Lab for the Plant Music program.
Want to inspire the next generation of scientists?
Steven’s Lab is looking for visiting scientists and collaborators for future programming.
Please email [email protected] and tell Spark about yourself, your area of scientific interest and how you’d like to work together!
- DR
- STEVEN KEATING
About Dr. Steven Keating:
Born in Calgary in 1988, Steven was an MIT graduate, brilliant mechanical engineer and passionate advocate for patient access to health data. He lived his life with unwavering curiosity, resilience and a commitment to innovation. In his honour, the Keating Family has generously supported the creation of Steven’s Lab.
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