Exploring the Science of How Animals Fly

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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? How about a dragonfly or a sugar glider? Humans have always been fascinated by things that are able to fly. In this new community workshop, young learners will explore the different ways that animals move through the air.

Designed to Ignite Curiosity

Our program and presenter team holds an enormous range of science and engineering backgrounds and a big dose of creativity and passion.

Presenter Team Lead Heather Staines was one of the developers of Things With Wings, tapping into her passion for nature education, “I’m often astonished at the fact that young kids may see or hear birds and insects regularly in their environment (like in their backyard, on their walk to school, or in a park), yet they don’t necessarily know the names or habits of those animals. The activities in Things With Wings cover ways to distinguish birds by their calls and the different types of wings insects have and why.”

When speaking about the goals for this new workshop, Heather said, “I’m hoping this introduction will encourage young scientists to learn more and inspire them to get out into nature, make observations, and enjoy the outdoors!”

Bringing Things With Wings to you

Kids interested in bugs, birds, and any other extraordinary animals that fly will find something to pique their curiosity in this new workshop. Perfect for spring through fall, Things With Wings introduces young learners to bird calls, allows them to analyze insect wings, explores how animals soar, and ignites the discovery of how butterflies move their bodies in order to fly.

“What I think is amazing about this workshop is not only that we talk about flapping and gliding, but that we introduce the participants to a bit of natural history!” – Heather Staines, Presenter Team Lead, Workshop Co-Developer

This workshop is available for online delivery across Canada and was designed with mixed age groups in mind (ideal for any group in the 4–12-year-old range).

You can book this workshop for your community group by emailing us at bookings@scientistsinschool.ca or calling 905-837-9626 with your contact information and preferred dates and times.

Frequently Asked Question: What’s a Community Workshop?

Our community workshops are specially designed to suit mixed-aged groups while being both scientifically sound and a tonne of fun. These workshops are often held at summer day camps, libraries, Guide and Scout meetings, YMCAs, science clubs, and more! Wherever children and youth gather for extracurricular activities, our scientist presenters are happy to be there.

Spring into STEM Learning

Spring is a fantastic time to bring learning outside. You can explore our collection of free educational resources and activities fit for young learners any time. Or, if you’re looking for something to enhance the learnings from Things With Wings either before or after the workshop, we have options.

You could take your young learners out on a nature walk to keep an eye out for signs of spring. Looking for more of a flight-focused activity? Challenge your youth to complete BIRD-O (that’s bird bingo) first! Or if you want to have them stay close to home, give them a guide to spotting regional birds in their backyards or local parks.


Scientists in School is a Canadian science outreach charity dedicated to sparking children’s interest in STEM through hands-on discovery. Explore our workshops and help us turn your young learners into young scientists.

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