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Shad Canada & U School's

FUTURES DAY

Edmonton

STEAM & Discovery
with Shad Canada & U School

February 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.

Sessions held at University of Alberta (North Campus)

February 20, 2026

STEAM & Discovery

9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

with Shad Canada & U School

Sessions held at University of Alberta (North Campus)

In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

Futures Day Schedule

TIME

SESSION

LOCATION

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Arrival

University of Alberta
(North Campus)

9:30 a.m.

Welcome & Keynote

University of Alberta
(North Campus)

10:15 a.m.

Session A

University of Alberta
(North Campus)

11:15 a.m.

Lunch

University of Alberta
(North Campus)

12:15 p.m.

Session B

University of Alberta
(North Campus)

1:15 p.m.

Session C or Closing 1

University of Alberta
(North Campus)

2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Closing 2

University of Alberta
(North Campus)

9:00 a.m. | Arrival

University of Alberta, North Campus

9:30 a.m. | Welcome & Keynote

University of Alberta, North Campus

10:15 a.m. | Session A

University of Alberta, North Campus

11:15 a.m. | Lunch

University of Alberta, North Campus

12:15 p.m. | Session B

University of Alberta, North Campus

1:15 p.m. | Session C or Closing 1

University of Alberta, North Campus

2:15 p.m. | Closing 2

University of Alberta, North Campus

Workshops, Seminars &
Place Explorations

Data Science and Statistics

University of Alberta, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

In the era of AI and a world filled with information, numbers are everywhere. How can we make sense of the data around us using the power of Data Science and Statistics? You will discover your potential to harness the power of numbers from our leaders in the fields. 

Designing Fatigue-Free Classrooms

MacEwan University

Why do some classrooms make you feel energized while others make you tired and exhausted (and even put you to sleep….)? In this workshop, you’ll explore the science of fatigue and discover how lighting, sound, and design impact focus and wellbeing. Using a digital platform, you’ll redesign a virtual classroom to make it “fatigue-friendly.” By the end, you’ll have created your own digital model of a classroom that helps students feel more awake, comfortable, and ready to learn.

Designing Your Life After High School

University of Alberta

During this workshop, you will…

Explore how design thinking tools and mindsets can be applied to design your life after high school intentionally.

Discuss the value of “prototyping” future lives for yourself, including while you’re in high school and in post-secondary studies.

Apply ideation and brainstorming approaches to identify possible prototypes for yourself to “build your way” toward your goals.

Design of Rocketry Avionics

Student Team for Alberta Rocketry Research

Through this presentation students will receive an introduction to design considerations and problems for electronic systems in high powered rocketry. By taking part in this seminar you will learn how you can tackle difficult problems and work through them with a team of talented individuals. You will also gain insight into a typically unseen yet critical part of sounding rocket development.

Let's Get Active Together! Exploring Adapted Physical Activity

The Steadward Centre | University of Alberta

Recreation and physical activity are part of what makes life fun! How can we ensure access to quality participation in physical activity for everyone in our community? Explore adapted physical activity at The Steadward Centre for people experiencing disabilities- try unique equipment, experience inclusive design, and think reflexively and creatively about exercise and recreation!

Make your Mark: A Printmaking & Art Workshop

University of Alberta Museums

What is a print and how do you make one? In this workshop you will learn more about this internationally renown method of creating art, discover works of art in the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection, and then design and create your own print. Printmaking is for everyone! No previous art experience required.

Oh, the Places You Will Go: Tracing a Path to a Scientific Career

MacEwan University

In this session, you will consider how early aspirations endure despite social and structural barriers. You will explore the question, What does it take to pursue a path when others doubt your potential? Drawing on my experiences growing up in Türkiye, I will discuss how gender expectations, fear of failure, and limited opportunities shape the confidence of young people. You will examine real examples from my journey and reflect on how persistence, curiosity, and a commitment to learning can strengthen your own goals.

Planes, Trains, and TI?

Texas Instruments

In this hands-on session you will experience Python coding with TI technology to drive robotic cars, fly drones and control Micro:bits. No coding experience required!

Research in Mathematics and Statistics

University of Alberta, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

How can Mathematics and Statistics solve real-world problems? You will learn about the different research areas in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, presented by renowned researchers from Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Physics and Statistics. The seminar will inspire you to be a creative problem-solver. 

River Engineering – Who knows how much water flows?

University of Alberta, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Huge quantities of water flow through river systems at all times, providing an essential resource that is used for everything from drinking and irrigation to transportation and industrial processes. But, how much water is actually in a river? This information is essential so that we can use our water responsibly (especially in times of drought or low flow) and it is a critical factor in all sorts of engineering design problems. So, how do we measure the flow rate in a river? In this activity, you will learn about flow measurement techniques and gain hands-on experience measuring the discharge in a model sand-bed river. Then, we’ll increase the flow and watch in real time as increased flow floods, erodes, and reshapes the river.

Rock-Paper-Scissors:  Beat the AI Algorithm, if you can

University of Alberta, Department of Computing Science

You will learn basic ideas in computer programming, algorithms, and machine learning using the game of Rock-Paper-Scissors (RPS).  Your will interactively play games of RPS with other students and against the computer software.  You will learn about statistics, data science, pattern matching, and recursion all in the context of machine learning. Essential questions:  What is machine learning?  What are key algorithms and ideas in computing science?  How can software learn human behaviour and beat us at games like Rock-Paper-Scissors?

Success Skills

Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta

What are the success skills it takes to be prosperous in today’s rapidly changing work environment? Posed to high school students, this question is answered through peer learning and examines what different skill sets are required to be successful in the workforce.

Superconductors - Wonder Materials without Resistivity

University of Alberta, Department of Physics

Electrical devices like laptops become warm as they are running. But you did not buy them to heat your lap! The heating occurs due to electrical resistivity and, in fact, this energy is lost and wasted–not very sustainable or economic. A certain kind of materials, however, called superconductors, do not have an electrical resistance and are thus maximally power-efficient. Sounds too good to be true? Well, there is a problem. They only operate at extremely low temperatures: the best ones we found around -150 degrees Celsius, which is not too useful either. Nonetheless, physicists study the marvelous properties of superconductors resulting from the electrons inside them performing a curious dance, and already use them to create gigantic magnetic fields that could levitate a train. Furthermore, the hunt is on to find superconductors that work at room temperature. This talk will highlight the history, physics, and applications of these wonderful materials.

What’s Climate Change Doing to Our Health?

University of Alberta, School of Public Health

How does climate change actually impact our health — and how do researchers figure it out? Explore these questions through hands-on, interactive activities that put you in the role of a researcher. You’ll investigate real-world connections between climate change working with the types of data climate scientists and public health experts rely on. It’s a fun, collaborative way to experience the research process and uncover how our changing climate shapes our well-being.

Keynote

Jenelle Libo-on

Hello! I’m Jenelle Libo-on (she/her), a second-generation immigrant who was born and raised in Edmonton. I’ve always gravitated toward the comfort of a predictable path, making decisions based on what I thought I should be doing with my life. University completely shifted this mindset by introducing opportunities I didn’t know existed. Within the chaos, I eventually discovered and completed my BSc. in Human Ecology (Family Science specialization), appreciating its encouragement to connect with my school community and beyond. These days, I’m completing my MSc. in Public Health (Health Policy Research specialization) to combine my desire for connection with my studies as I frequently use community-based methods to welcome various groups into the research space. Beyond school I sing in a local choir, (attempt to) play squash, and continue to volunteer and work with organizations across the city. I’m very grateful to be your keynote speaker for the Futures Day Conference and am excited to meet everyone! 

For more information or questions about the day, please contact:

Natalie Peter, U School Program Lead uschool@ualberta.ca

Alvina Mardhani-Bayne, External Relations Manager at Shad Canada alvina@shad.ca