On-Campus Experiences

Discovering Honey Bees

Visit the Honey Bee Research Centre and get the buzz on bees. Students will learn about honey bee biology, social structure, and how to behave around stinging insects. Students will then have an opportunity to visit the apiary to see different parts of a live hive. Finish with a taste of honey directly from the honeycomb! Only available in September, October, April and May due to weather conditions. 

Soil Texturing and Biology Lab

Students will participate in interactive exercises using hand textural tests to determine different types of soil texture. The difference in soil textures and its importance to agriculture, environmental planning and urban development will be explored. Learn more about Soils At Guelph.  Currently Unavailable

Insect Inspectors at the Arboretum

Step outside of your comfort zone and uncover the diversity of insect species in The University of Guelph Arboretum. Students will search for live insects in the environment and identify them with help from a naturalist.

All About Trees at The Arboretum

They're big, beautiful and all around us; but how much do we really know about trees?  Don't let yourself get lost in a sea of green.  Let's learn more about the fascinating world of trees.  In this session, you'll visit one of the most beautiful natural spaces on campus, the Arboretum! Students will walk through The Arboretum with a naturalist to learn about tree biology, identification, disease and conservation.  

Research in the Arboretum

Do you have students that want to be a scientist?  It doesn't take years of schooling, or a lift lived in a research lab to be a scientist.  The University of Guelph Arboretum grounds are home to many research projects.  Let's take a closer look at some of the awesome research and conservation initiatives that take place in the Arboretum, while becoming citizen scientists ourselves! 

Insect Identification

Discover and explore Ontario's amazing insect diversity by starting with a brief look at either the insects that occur in and around our homes, or insects pollinators! Students will learn how to properly use a microscope and examine a variety of preserved insect specimens in this unique workshop.

The Gluten Project 

A short presentation on the Department of Food Science is followed by hands-on activities including a sensory test with gluten-containing and gluten-free bread. The differences in texture and structure are discussed in relation to the role gluten plays in cereal processing.  Students will compare the properties of wheat flour to other cereal flours and discuss the negative perceptions of gluten. 

Exploring Food Chemistry 

Visit the Department of Food Science to learn about the chemistry of food. Students will learn about scientific concepts using food activities including; cold cream versus warm cream to make butter and using egg white to stabilize foams. 

Ice Cream Basics

This activity will cover the basic concepts of ice cream making-- from understanding the importance of the ingredients in the ice cream mix, to uncovering the reason behind the type of freezer used. Students will get the opportunity to use a semi-electric ice cream maker to freeze ice cream.  

Fun with Food Function

This activity will allow students to learn about food ingredients, and how they can help improve the quality of foods.  The function of ingredients goes beyond taste, so we will conduct hands-on experiments to demonstrate the function of different ingredients in food stability and how to adapt to changing preferences!  

Uncovering the Mystery of Food Biopolymers

Biopolymers are important parts of many foods.  In this activity, we will explore biopolymers in food and other applications, and identify ways to measure the important properties they contribute to materials.  Students will get the opportunity to solve a scientific mystery, and to use technical tools common in food science labs. 

Collecting Seeds for a Changing Climate

Learn how to care for plants in our ever-changing climate and environment. Explore how plants are adapted to survive under a broad range of different environmental conditions, and how other environmental concerns have an impact on the way you garden. Students will also learn how to clean seeds through a hands-on activity, and go home with skills to save seeds from plants for next year's planting!  Learn more about plant science here. Currently Unavailable. 

Plant Identification

Challenge your knowledge of plants at Bovey Greenhouse. Learn from a Greenhouse Technician about current plant research followed by an interactive activity where students will work in groups to identify a collection of plants.

Plant DNA Extraction Lab

Get introduced to plant genetics with the Department of Plant Agriculture. Students will extract DNA from plant tissue accompanied by an informative lecture on applications in plant research and breeding. 

Plant Preservation at GRIPP

Visit on the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation and uncover the concepts of plant preservation, conservation and biodiversity. Students will attend a short lecture on plant tissue culture, cryobiology, and plant production system followed by an activity of transferring plant tissue culture in a laboratory setting.

Biomaterials at BDDC

Tour the innovative Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre. Students will be introduced to research focusing on biobased materials like green plastics, plant by-products, and industrial co-products to create products such as compostable coffee pods and car parts. Students will tour the labs where different formulations are engineered and samples are tested for various properties.

There are currently no animal workshops. Sign up for our Newsletter to get updates for future offerings. 

There are currently no business workshops on-campus. Sign up for our Newsletter to get updates for future offerings.