#STEM Educational Outreach Program

Developing Innovations will be taking a number of teams of highly enthusiastic STEM. Educational Ambassadors out into the community in an effort to promote STEM. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) They will be visiting schools, camps, clubs, groups and events in an effort to promote, teach and engage young students in interesting and fun STEM related topics.

Upcoming STEM Educational Outreach Program Schedule: 

 

Educational Outreach: Jan. 28th 2017- Family Literacy Day – Milliken Mills Library Community Centre – Prehistoric Fossil & Exotic Insects

Educational Outreach: Feb. 4th Angus Glen Community Centre – Prehistoric Fossil & Exotic Insects

Educational Outreach: Feb. 11th Cornell Community Centre – Prehistoric Fossil & Exotic Insects

Educational Outreach: Feb. 18th 2017- AstroNuts Kids Space Club Outreach – York University Observatory

Educational Outreach: Mar. 10th 2017- AstroNuts Kids Space Club Outreach – University of Toronto Institute of Aerospace Studies

Educational Outreach: May. 13th 2017- AstroNuts Kids Space Club Outreach – “What’s Up in Space”

 

Educational Outreach: Boy Scouts: Feb. TBD -Talking about Prehistoric Fossils

Educational Outreach: Girl Guides: Feb. TBD -Talking about Exotic Insects

 

STEM Educational Outreach

Crohn’s & Colitis Canada Fundraiser

(St. Justin Martyr Elementary School)

Jan. 17th, 2016

“We were thrilled to help STEM Kids Rock teammate Julien Lamanna raise over $2000 for a charity that is dear to his heart. His dad has Crohn’s disease and Julien has been working hard to bring more awareness and funds to help researchers find a cure.

Julien has been running a Caps for Crohn’s the past 3 years at his school to help raise funds and awareness and asked us to take part. The answer was an absolute yes, so we brought our popular Prehistoric Fossils & Exotic Insect Roadshow to his school to help him raise more funds and awareness. The kids and their parents loved the collection and responded well with donations. Also, the principal said he was very impressed and asked us to come back in the near future to do a more formal presentation to all the students in the school.

We have been at the Crohn’s & Colitis Annual “Gutsy Walk” a couple of times in the past and will be back again this year, Sunday June 4th, 2017 – Richmond Green Park to help them bring more awareness and funds to help find a cure.

This was our youngest team ever to work at a STEM outreach, with four students that are in grade 8 and they did a spectacular job inspiring students. As a number of  our long time veteran volunteers move on to post-secondary studies it is great to see a new group of  enthusiastic students stepping into the roll of Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders. “

Aidan Aird

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to improving the lives of children and adults affected by these chronic conditions.

STEM Educational Outreach

(Stronach Cancer Centre)

Dec. 17th, 2016

“We were ecstatic to be asked back again to entertain the Stronach Cancer Centre staff and their kids at their annual holiday party with science demos and our collection of  Prehistoric Fossils, Exotic Insects and our newest one our Unique Minerals. The kids are always excited at this event that makes it so much fun.”

Aidan Aird

STEM Educational Outreach

(AstroNuts Kids Space Club)

Dec. 4th, 2016

STEM Educational Outreach

(AstroNuts Kids Space Club)

Nov. 27th, 2016

“At AstroNuts Space Kids Club Mission #70 I got a chance once again to talk to this amazing group of brilliant young space enthusiast about meteorites. I brought along my iron and stony meteorite to show the kids. All the kids got a chance to hold and examine the meteorites and most of them were really amazed how heavy the iron meteorite was for it’s size.”

Aidan Aird

“This unbelievable piece comes straight from outer space. Five-thousand years ago the giant ” Campo del Cielo” meteorites bombarded what is now Chaco Province in Argentina. In 1576 Spanish explorers discovered the massive craters and monstrous iron meteorites weighing several tons, along with many small fragments.

Measures 5 inches x 4″ x 2.25″. Weighs 2071 grams / 4.55 lbs. Rarely does a natural meteorite look this good. Not frozen and exploded to enhance appearance, like many iron meteorites on the market. The composition is primarily iron with traces of Nickel and Cobalt.”

Aidan Aird

STEM Educational Outreach

(Unionville Montessori Private School)

Nov.. 25th, 2016

“This team of outstanding committed student volunteers had a long successful day starting with a 6 a.m. setup and ending with a 6 p.m. tear down. We did 6 presentations to over 500 elementary students and raised $1256 for 360 KIds which support homeless youth and kids-at-risk in York Region.”

Aidan AIrd

STEM Educational Outreach

(AstroNuts Kids Space Club)

Nov. 6th, 2016

STEM Educational Outreach

(AstroNuts Kids Space Club)

Oct. 30th, 2016

STEM Educational Outreach

(Angus Glen Community Centre)

Oct. 29th, 2016

Science Literacy Week

(Angus Glen Library)

Sept. 25th, 2016

Science Literacy Week

(Angus Glen Library)

Sept. 24th, 2016

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

UMSC Event, Sept. 10th, 2016

(Milliken Mills Park)

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Aug. 27th, 2016

MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek’s

Annual Community BBQ

at Memorial Park

Aug. 21st, 2016

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Aug. 20th, 2016

Developing Innovations Acquires Unique Items

for New Mineral Display

Dendrite in Quartzite

” Dendrites meaning tree, are branching patterns created when water containing various oxides of iron and manganese seeps into tiny cracks in rock leaving a permanent pattern over time.”

Pyrite Cube On Matrix – From Navajunt Spain

“This pyrite cube crystal (FeS2) on a matrix is from the world-famous Victoria mine in Navajun, Spain. Pyrite nicknamed “Fool’s Gold” resembles gold merely in appearance.”

Gorgeous Sandstone Slab – From Kanab Utah

Here is an awe-inspiring picture sandstone slab from from Kanab, Utah. Over time, groundwater laden with iron oxides percolated through the pores of the stone, producing wonderful banded earthy and golden coloration. A breathtaking piece of natural art that is 180 million years old!

SteamPunk Festival

at Zion School Museum

Aug. 20th, 2016

StarTalk & Star Gazing Night

(Speaker Dr. Rachel Ward-Maxwell)

at DDO

Aug. 13th, 2016

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Aug. 6th, 2016

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Jul. 30th, 2016

Amanda Collucci Ward #6 Councillor

Community BBQ

at Berzy South Park

Jul. 30th, 2016

Alan Ho Ward #2 Councillor

Community BBQ

at Frisby Park

Jul. 24th, 2016

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Jul. 23rd, 2016

MP Majid Jowhari

Community BBQ

at Mill Pond Park

Jul. 17th, 2016

StarTalk & Star Gazing Night 

(Speaker Randy Attwood)

at DDO

Jul. 16th, 2016

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Jul. 9th, 2016

Weather Balloon Launch Event

at Goderich

Jul. 9th, 2016

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Jul. 2nd, 2016

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Jun. 25th, 2016

Karen Rea Ward#4 Councillor

Community BBQ

at Vet Hall

Jun. 25th, 2016

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Jun. 18th, 2016

D

Developing Innovations Acquires an Excellent Specimen of

Carcharodontosaurus Dinosaur Tooth

David Dunlap Observatory Family Night

at DDO

Jun. 11th, 2016

Don Cousen Public School Fun Fair

Jun. 9th, 2016 

Unionville Montessori School Fun Fair

Jun. 7th, 2016

ICE Conference

at Toronto City Hall

Jun. 4th, 2016

AstroNuts Kids Space Camp

at The David Dunlap Observatory

May. 14th, 2016

AstroNuts Kids Space STEM Contest

at DDO

May. 14th, 2016

Science Rendezvous

Main Street Markham

May. 7th, 2016

Mad Science Birthday Party

Apr. 10th, 2016

1st Annual

Ontario Innovation Celebration

FIRST Robotics Canada/Venture Lab

at IBM Markham

Feb. 27th, 2016

 

” It was an honour to have the opportunity to speak to 18 of the top teams to compete in the 1st Annual Ontario Innovation Celebration at IBM hosted by FIRST Robotics Canada and VentureLAB. The audience was made of some of the most brilliant innovative students in Ontario that had competed at local events to qualify for this event. On this day, the students, age 9-14 got a chance to pitch their innovative solution to reduce trash to a panel of judges. Two teams were selected to represent Ontario at the FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award presented by XPRIZE in Washington, DC in June, where they will compete with teams from around the world. The winning team will receive $20,000 to make their innovation a reality. It must of been a tough job for the judges because all the teams had great solutions for this year’s theme challenge, Trash Trek.”

AIdan AIrd

Update: June 2016

“The two winning teams from the 1st Annual Ontario Innovation Celebration that took place in Feb. 2016 ended up placing in the top 20 teams in the world for their innovation; one of the teams are now in negotiations with an Israeli firm to acquire their intellectual property. “

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach

at York University Observatory 

Feb. 20th, 2016

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach

at Angus Glen Community Centre 

Feb. 20th, 2016

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at UMSC Open House 

Feb. 13th, 2016

” This outreach was another busy, fun and inspiring day for our team as we had a lot of  very curious kids and even adults attending UMSC’s Open House. We had a chance to display & talk about a number of our newly acquired rare fossils & exotic insects, which is always exciting. I am always amazed at the quantity & quality of questions we get from some of the very young kids. It is telling me that kids are getting smarter and smarter at a younger age.”

Aidan Aird

#ScienceFairsMatter Presentation at Bakersfield Public School

Jan. 28th, 2016

 

“Had an amazing time speaking to a group of young enthusiastic grade 6, 7 and 8 students at Bakersfield Public School about how to get started on their first science fair project and why ‪#‎ScienceFairsMatter‬. This is Bakersfield’s first launching of a science fair and I know it is going to be very successful because there are some excellent teachers mentoring these lucky students. I’m really looking forward to seeing their final projects and who they select to go to the York Regional Science & Tech Fair at York University in April!”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at the Markham Public Library

January 23rd, 2016

“Family Literacy Day”

“We were thrilled to have been involved in celebrating Family Literacy Day once again at Milliken Mills Library. The event was a great success with over 500 participants. Developing Innovations team had a fabulous time showing off our collection of prehistoric fossils and exotic insects to the very curious and enthusiastic kids that attended this great event.

The Markham Public Library is doing an amazing job in our community and has become much more than just a place to acquire a good book to read or find some information on a particular subject. It is now a place were you can learn many cool cutting edge things like 3d printing and computer coding. You can also hear compelling and inspiring stories about local small businesses at their EIR speaker series in coordination with StartUp York Region. Markham Public Library, and their passionate, caring staff and volunteers rock!

“

Aidan Aird

StartUp York #EIR Program Presentation at Seneca College

Jan. 11th, 2016

” I would like to thank Lucas Chang from Startup York Region, Amanda Kelly from MPL and Chris Dudley from Seneca College Helix for inviting me to speak at this awesome event that featured a number of great speeches. I’m glad I got the opportunity to talk about how Developing Innovations is working hard at inspiring the generation of kids to get involved in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Also how we are bring awareness and funds to worthwhile causes and charities that need support to make this world a better place.”

Aidan Aird

Lego Robotics Seminar & Workshop

Dec. 19th, 2015

“We had an amazing time teaching the kids about the wonderful world of robotics and helping them build and program a Lego robot. We all had fun and I’m sure that a great number of the kids will be adding a Lego Mindstorms EV3 to their list of gifts. The best part about the workshop other than seeing the smiles and hearing the kids laugh was that we were able to raise $400 for 360kids.ca to help solve youth homelessness in York Region. Because of the overwhelming success of this event will be scheduling more robotics workshops in the new year.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations Presents a Holiday STEM Event for the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre’s Young Cancer Patients

Dec. 12th, 2015

“The Stronach Regional Cancer Centre in Newmarket is an amazing facility and full of very caring and compassionate staff, so when they asked me to come and entertain their kids for an hour it was very easy to say yes. After entertaining the kids by showing and telling them some very interesting and unusual facts about our collection of prehistoric fossils and exotic insects we got an indepth tour of this spectacular facility. Because of the great work that these people do day-in and day-out for the many patients that enter this treatment centre; we decided to make this event for their kids as memorable as possible and gave each of the kids an authentic 400 million year fossil of an Ammonite (Goniatite).

The staff were once again very giving and raised $124 for one of the charities that me and a number of our team members volunteer at to help feed the hungry. The money will go to St. Francis Table which is a restaurant for the poor run by the Capuchin Friars on Queen Street West in Toronto. It serves an average of 250 meals a day to individuals and families that can’t afford a healthy meal.”

Aidan Aird

YRPC Meeting at

Richmond Hill High School, Dec. 10th, 2015

“I’m glad I had the opportunity to show a short video of my 360 Experience of homelessness and talk to the YRPC about how they can help youth that are homelessness in York Region. I have to thank Brittany Wilson who is 360 Kids Resource Development Associate for inviting me and commend her for doing an excellent job of explaining to the group of high school leaders about the great things that 360 Kids are doing to help make a positive difference in solving the challenges associated with youth homelessness in York Region. The great people at 360 Kids like Brittany are doing everything possible to solve this difficult challenge and I know this group of young leaders can and will choose to help make a difference. I would also like to thank Pauline for making the arrangements for us to speak with this group of great young leaders of YRPC.”

Aidan Aird

York Regional Science & Technology Fair

Information Night at the

Lassonde School of Engineering, Dec. 7th, 2015

“I was thrilled to once again team-up with my brilliant friend and scientist Nicole Zhao at the YRSTF@York Info-Night to talk about our experiences at the York Regional Science and Technology Fair and the Canada-Wide Science Fair. York University and the Lassonde School of Engineering were great hosts and their new facility was simply amazing. We were honoured to have had the opportunity to speak to our science community peers and their families and answer some of their questions. I feel the partnership between YRSTF and York University will take the 2016 fair to the next level. “

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Astronuts Space Camp-Mission #61, Nov. 29th, 2015

 “AstroNuts Kids Space Club is a spectacular club for kids that are passionate about learning more about space while having fun and I’m always excited to have the opportunity to present to the amazing AstroNut kids.”

Aidan Aird

“Mission 61 yesterday was outstanding ! One of the amazing “space educators” was Aidan Aird who really engaged the AstroNuts kids imaginations with his presentation called “Spinoffs from space”…Aidan was also very generous and in the Christmas spirit with a donation of 17 beautiful “Life” magazine hardcover books on astronaut hero Neil Armstrong. Each book had a special dedication to each AstroNut kid…they were thrilled!”

Ray Bielecki – Founder of Astronut Kids Space Camp

York Catholic District School Board

21st Century Camp, Nov. 28th, 2015

“Hi Aidan — I wanted to write you to congratulate you on your keynote speech that you presented at our latest YCDSB 21st Century Camp.  The work that you shared with our group of 100 educators was truly impressive demonstrating outstanding leadership in the area of Science and 21st Century Learning overall.  The 6 C’s that the 21st Century Learning Teams are focused on in our board which include: communication, collaboration, creativeness, critical thinking, Christ centered, and Global Citizenship were all captured within your presentation and within the works that you presented to us.  The website that you have created “Developing Innovations” at developinginnovations.org was one of the finest examples of student led work that I have ever seen. Your concept of showcasing the great work that is currently being done by youth in the areas of Science and social justice was exemplary.

Jim Marrin, M.Ed.

Vice Principal St. Brother André Catholic High School

#STEM Educational Outreach at

Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario

Conference, Nov. 14th, 2015

” Had an amazing time at the Science Teacher’s Association of Ontario Conference (STAO) showcasing the work that Developing Innovations does with its Educational STEM Outreach Program. I was especially thrilled to learn that the STAO2015 Conference Planning Committee made a significant donation to Toronto Sick Kids Foundation on my behalf.”

Aidan Aird

“On behalf of STAO2015 Conference Planning Committee, we wish to thank you for sharing your time and expertise, and contributing to professional growth of our membership.”

Sheila Rhodes / Racquel Carlow

Conference co-Chair

Developing Innovations

#STEM Educational Outreach at

Markham Village Library, Nov. 7th, 2015

Displaying Prehistoric Fossils & Exotic Insect Collection (Collecting Food & Raising Awareness For 360 KIDS)

“I just wanted to say thank you for the awesome display you did at Markham Village Library this past Saturday. It was fascinating and informative. Everyone (including myself!) learned so much from you and your team. You all have an incredible gift, and I’m so glad that you shared it with all of us.”

Naveen Malik

Branch Librarian, Markham Village

Markham Public Library

t

Minister of Research & Innovation

Announcement Event

at VentureLab, Nov.6th, 2015

” I was honoured to be asked to be at MPP Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation Announcement Event at VentureLab and have the opportunity to meet MPP Reza Moridi and the very distinguished invited guests that attended the event. I was glad to hear the announcement regarding the governments youth job strategy. I also really enjoyed the round table session that Daiene Vernile ran with her team and having the chance to interact with other young entrepreneurs. It was a spectacular event and I would like to thank VentureLab for including me.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations

#STEM Educational Outreach at

Markham Museum, Oct. 23rd & 24th, 2015

“We had so much fun entertaining & teaching the many young and excited kids that came by our display at the Markham Museum this weekend. We saw so many spectacular costumes from the over 1200 kids and parents that stopped by our display.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations

#STEM Educational Outreach at

Mini-Maker Expo, Oct. 22nd, 2015

“Had a great time talking about my award winning science fair projects that focus on innovative ways to help people in Developing Nations at Markham Libraries 1st Mini-Maker Fair. Markham Library is doing such an amazing job at bring top-notch programs to people in our community.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations EIR Presentation at

Angus Glen Library, Oct. 5th, 2015

 “I was honoured to have had the opportunity to speak at York Start-Up – Entrepreneurs in Residence event about how Developing Innovations got started and how it has morphed over time into an organization that has featured over 70 young brilliant STEM students, has had the opportunity to inspire over 20,000 kids to pursue the fields of STEM through its Educational Outreach Program and has also brought awareness and funding to a number of worthwhile charities and causes.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Pan Am Centre, Sept. 27th, 2015

“Out in the community once again having an awesome time on a beautiful fall day, trying to inspire as many young kids as possible to take a keen interest in science. We are always honoured when we have the Mayor of Markham, who is a huge supporter of ours, stop by our booth, so we took the opportunity to get a group photo with him.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Angus Glen Event, Sept. 19th, 2015

“Today we once again had a fabulous time showing off our collection of prehistoric fossils and exotic insects to a number of very curious and enthusiastic kids in an effort to inspire the next generation of  brilliant young scientist.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

UMSC Event, Sept. 12th, 2015

(Milliken Mills Park)

“Had an amazing time presenting science experiments to a group of over 750 excited kids (age 3-8) and helping raise money for Special Needs Children that I have been working with the past couple of years.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

STEAMPunk Festival, Aug 22nd, 2015

(Zion School House)

 “Had a ton of fun doing a science demo on a beautiful day at the STEAMPunk Festival and having the opportunity to interact with the over 450 attendees at our prehistoric fossil and exotic bug display.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Rotary Club, Aug 10th, 2015

” I like to thank Art Moad for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to speak to the Markham Rotary Club about my environmentally friendly science fair projects that have the potential to help developing countries with a better and less expensive way to produce electricity and purify water. I would also like to thank the group for intently listening to me talk about my passion to help the youth that are homeless in York Region.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

City of Markham PanAm Event Ward#4, June 27th, 2015

(Markham’s Vets Hall)

 

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

UMS Dino Fest, June 23rd-24th, 2015

(Raising Awareness & Funds for Homeless Youth -360 Kids)

 “We had an awesome 2 days showing and talking to over 1000 amazing students at UMS about a number of our interesting specimens from our extensive collection of prehistoric fossils and exotic insects. This event was very successful at raising awareness and funds for 360 Kids, an organization that helps over 300 homeless youth that live in York Region.”

Aidan AIrd

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

UMSC Event, May 30th, 2015

 

“What an amazing day we had STEM inspiring over 700 young kids at UMSC Jersey Day. All the kids got a chance to get up close and explore, plus learn about insects, prehistoric fossils and meteorites.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

“What’s Up In Space” STEM Contest, May 24th, 2015

“I was honoured to be part of the judging panel that consisted of Professor Paul Delaney from York University. All the kids that competed in the contest were simply amazing, I was so impressed by them and their incredible projects.”

Aidan Aird

 Developing Innovations at ICE Conference

at Ryerson University, April 22, 2015

 

“I was privileged to assist Aidan with a workshop at the “Inspire, Collaborate, Excel” (ICE) Conference hosted by the Organization for Ontario Secondary Students in April 2015.  The workshops were tailored to high school students to introduce them to opportunities and careers in science, engineering, and technology; Aidan created a program that combined information with an active hands-on component.  From planning the workshop to obtaining the materials and implementation, Aidan was able to design an interesting and engaging session that presented ideas and opportunities in a relevant, participatory manner.  Students left knowing much more about experiential science opportunities in high school and beyond, as well as participating in a fun group challenge that combined teamwork with engineering.  It was a pleasure working with Aidan to help deliver the workshop and share in his energy and enthusiasm.”

 

George Geczy, BASEF Judge-in-Chief, Sessional Professor at Mohawk College Hamilton.

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Indigo Books, March 3rd, 2015

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Astronuts Kids Space Camp, February 22nd, 2015

 ” Once again I had an amazing time at Astronauts Kids Space Camp, this time teaching Canada’s future astronauts about 3d printing in space. Looking forward to being part of their 4th Annual What’s Up In Space Camp and STEM Contest on May 24th from 12:00-4:00 at the David Dunlap Observatory.”

Aidan AIrd

 

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Milliken Community Centre, January 31th, 2015

 

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Wismer Pubic School, January 28th & 29th, 2015

 “I had a awesome 2 days talking to over 500 young bright students at Wismer Public School about prehistoric fossils, exotic insects and the importance of science fairs.”

Aidan AIrd

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Astronuts Space Camp, January 25th, 2015

 

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Markham Public Library, January 24th, 2015

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Angus Glen Community Centre, January 17th, 2015

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Cornell Community Centre, January 10th, 2015

 

Kids Can Now Get A Real Up-Close Look At

The Wonderful World of Science

“Thanks to the amazing people at New Eyes Old Skies, we were able to acquire an awesome stereo microscope that has allowed us to give the kids that attend our educational outreach program a chance to get a real up-close view of their favourite scientific specimen. Bruce and Susan did not only help us select the right microscope and slide kits for our needs, they have been a great resource for other science related equipment such as flasks, pipettes and other science materials. The greatest thing about the group of friendly, passionate people that work at New Eyes Old Skies is their vast knowledge and their willingness to freely share it. They also have a great selection of telescopes and we are planning to acquire one from them in the near future for the roll out of our new exciting educational outreach program that will focus on Space.”

Aidan Aird

NEW EYES OLD SKIES is your premier Optics Retailer in the heart of Richmond Hill in York Region. Our employees are specialists within the far reaching genre of optics creating a unique retail outlet which allows us to offer a complete eyewear division, an astronomy and birding division, all of which is encompassed by our science guy who can assist you with science related optics such as microscopes. In addition, we have a lab ware section, and as if that’s not enough, when you’re inquisitive and inspired academics come home with their science projects, requiring those unusual science related parts and pieces you have never heard of, or you just need help—we have got you covered.

Location: The Leslie Centre, Unit A7, 1390 Major Mackenzie Dr. E, Richmond Hill, ON, (905-883-9191)

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Milliken Mills Soccer Dome, December 6, 2014

 

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach at

Milliken Mills Community Centre, November 22, 2014

 

Developing Innovations Acquires Mosasaurs Fossil

The “T-Rex of the Sea”

Developing Innovations acquires a partial jaw with tooth of a Mosasaur, for its #STEM Educational Outreach and Workshop Programs. The Mosasaur which is sometimes referred to as the “T-Rex of the Sea”, were large predatory marine reptiles that roamed the ancient seas more than 70 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period, the last age of the dinosaurs.

The first fossilized remains of a Mosasaurs were discovered in the 1770’s in an underground mine near Maastricht, on the Meuse River, in Holland. Since this first discovery, Mosasaur fossil remains, which span a large variety of genera have been discovered throughout the world. Some of the features of these large marine reptiles include, flippers instead of terrestrial limbs, rudder like tails and two sets of teeth with a moveable lower jaw. Being a reptile, we know they had to surface for air, but there are still many things we don’t know such as habits, diet and biotic zone. We can only assume with some accuracy based on knowledge that has been acquired through extensive study of many species from the past and present. After extensive study of the structure of the fossilized bones of the Mosasaurs it is assumed that they all swam in a similar way which would later become typical of all Squamates (lizards, snakes and worm lizards) due to the convex and concave surfaces of the vertebra. The Mosasaurs using their long rudder-like tails would perform snake-like movements in order to propel themselves forward and rely on their flippers to steer them in the right direction.

The Mosasaur is just one of many reptiles that disappeared from the face of the earth along with the dinosaur during the great Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction.

“We are thrilled to have even this small sample of a Mosasaur’s jaw with a tooth imbedded in the fossil. After being up close to a real museum quality skull at Fossil Realm recently and learning about this awesome marine reptile, it is not hard to image these ancient monstrous predators that grew up to 15m (50 feet) dominating the seas. You can really understand why it was called the “T-Rex of the Sea”. The many curious kids that come to our educational outreach and workshop programs are going to love the opportunity to see, hold and learn about this fossil.”

Aidan Aird

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach

at Cornell Community Centre, November 15th, 2014

 

 

 

 Developing Innovations Educational Outreach Program

Acquires An Exotic Butterfly

“Menelaus Blue Morpho”

The Menelaus Blue Morpho (Morpho Menelaus) is a very large, vibrantly coloured species of butterfly that is mainly found in Central America, Mexico, and South America (where our specimen was found). When this species is in its larval stage they are highly cannibalistic and are a red-brown colour with patches of green and yellow. The Adult Butterflies are iridescent on one side of the wing and a dull brown colour on the other. What makes the Menelaus Blue Morpho unique is its food source. Even though these guys may not look terrifying they feed on bodily fluids of rotting animals, fermenting fruits, and fungi. They do so by injecting their long proboscis into their food source.

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach

at Centennial Community Centre, November 8th, 2014

 

 

Developing Innovations Acquires Coprolite A.K.A. Dinosaur Dung

“Our prehistoric fossil collection would not be complete without a specimen of coprolite, a.k.a. dinosaur dung. Young kids are always fascinated by dung related specimens we have in our collection, such as the dung beetle, so this will be a great addition to our STEM Educational and Workshop Outreach Program. I expect to hear a combination of oohs and awes when they realize that coprolite is fossilized dino poop.” Aidan Aird

Fossilized dinosaur dung preserved in the form of coprolite can tell us a lot about not only the dinosaurs that deposited it, but also the ecosystem they were living in at the time. A close examination of a well-preserved fossilized piece of dinosaur dung can tell you if that particular dino was an herbivore, a carnivore or an omnivore and they can sometimes even identify the type of plant or animal or combination that the dinosaur recently ate before its demise. Coprolite has even helped settle evolutionary timeline disputes. Even though a good specimen of coprolite is rare, it’s amazing what information can be hidden in a piece of very old dung.

Developing Innovations #STEM Educational Outreach

at Angus Glen Community Centre, November 1, 2014

Great meeting all the young scientists today, and thank you to the Developing Innovations awesome Teen Scientists!

 

Small Inspirational Gift

For All Our Young Future Scientists & Engineers

Markham Museum’s ScaryFest, October 25 & 26th

 

Thank you Markham Museum for having Developing Innovations at the Mad Scientist’s House! The deadliest insects on the planet were a big hit with parents and their children.

 

Unionville Milliken Soccer Club’s Kylemore Communities Event

Prehistoric Fossil and Insect Outreach Team

Amazing job by amazing teens! We met hundreds of future scientists who had some great questions. The prehistoric fossils were a huge hit.

Exotic Insect Acquired for Developing Innovations

#STEM Educational Outreach Program

“We are very excited to add this impressive looking Fiddle Beetle to Developing Innovations Educational Outreach Program insect collection. The young students that attend our presentations on “The Wonderful World of Insects” are always fascinated by unique exotic insects. This is mainly because many of the students have never seen a lot of these large and strange looking insects before and if they have, it wasn’t probably up close.” – Aidan Aird

The Fiddle Beetle or Violin Beetle and sometimes called the Banjo Beetle (Mormolyce Phyllodes), are ground beetles that have evolved to a point where its strange flattened torso allows the beetle to hunt for insects in the narrow spaces between the bark and wood of decaying trees, plus bracket fungi. The beetles none scientific names (Fiddle, Violin, and Banjo) come from its distinctive shape elytra, sometimes called shards. The elytra is a hardened forewing that serves as protective, armour like wing cases for the hindwings which are located underneath for some insects, such as the Maybug. For this particular beetle the elytra are fused together, rendering the insect flightless. This impressive looking beetle was originally from Sumatra Island, Indonesia and was recently acquired from the respected collection of Fossil Realm, who specialize in rare fossils and high-end minerals, also have an extensive insect collection.

Developing Innovations would like to thank Fossil Realm for all their support!

Fossil Realm is a family owned and operated business based in Toronto, Canada. We have over 30 years of experience collecting, buying, and selling fossils and minerals. We aim to share our passion for natural history by providing the most inspirational pieces – many of them museum quality!Fossil Realm is a proud member of AAPS, the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences which promotes “ethical collecting practices and cooperative liaisons with researchers, instructors, curators and exhibit managers in the paleontological academic and museum community”.

 

#STEM Educational Outreach Program at Markham Museum

 

#STEM Educational Outreach Program at UMSC Event

 

#STEM Educational Outreach Program at Angus Glen Montessori

Prehistoric Fish Acquired for Developing Innovations

#STEM Educational Outreach Program

 

Prehistoric Fossil of a Knightia Fish

“Developing Innovations is very happy to acquire a fossil of a Knightia for its Educational Outreach Program. This prehistoric small schooling fish was an important food source in the freshwater lakes that dotted Wyoming 50 million years ago in the Eocene.” – Aidan Aird

Knightia Fish

This prehistoric fish swam in ancient lakes in Wyoming, USA, 50 million years ago in the Eocene. This particular Knightia fossil came from the famous Green River Formation. Knightia are small schooling fish related to herring and sardines. They had heavy scales and their size varied by species with most fossil specimens being no larger than 15 centimeters. They had small conical teeth and likely fed on algae and diatoms, as well as insects and possibly smaller fish.

Occasionally, fossils are found with Knightia trapped in the jaws or stomach of larger predatory fish like the Diplomystus, Lepisosteus, Amphiplaga, Mioplosus, Phareodus, Amia and Asterphus.

 

S.T.E.M. Educational Outreach Program at Stouffville Memorial Park

 

#STEM Educational Outreach Uxbridge Montessori School

 

Developing Innovations would like to thank the schools, clubs, groups and camps for allowing us to share our Exotic Insect and Prehistoric Fossil Exhibits, to all the young present and future scientists!

• Uxbridge Montessori School
• Unionville Montessori School
• Markham Museum (Summer Camps)
• Marander Montessori School
• Angus Glen Montessori School
• Unionville Milliken Soccer Club Event
• Stouffville Memorial Park Pavilion
• UMSC/Kylemore Event
• Markham Museum (Scaryfest)
• Angus Glen Community Centre
• Centennial Community Centre
• Cornell Community Centre
• Milliken Community Centre
• Soccer Dome

Interested in learning more about other amazing S.T.E.M. students and the latest S.T.E.M. news:

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