On a bright morning at Trinity Western's Langley campus, elementary students race to scavenge for cards representing the four elements necessary for B.C.’s salmon to survive in the wild.
As they regroup, TWU science and education students debrief the activity with them, explaining the precious and life-sustaining balance that a healthy ecosystem provides for local wildlife like salmon.
It's part of a warm-up activity for the University’s longstanding Science in the Valley program.
Serving kids through science education
Science in the Valley (SIV) is taught by passionate university students who bring science and environmental studies to life for younger learners. Organized by staff and professors from the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS) with support from the University, the program has been running since 2005.
Now in its 20th year, SIV has been highly popular with local schools and homeschool communities, providing engaging, hands-on science education to elementary and middle school students.
Through this long-standing initiative, TWU students engage with younger learners, share their scientific knowledge, and spark interest in science-related fields.
Teaching kids to care for the environment
Each year, approximately 3,400 students participate in one of four SIV field studies: Salmon in the Valley, Ecosystems, Biology, and Chemistry. Designed for students in Grades 3 to 7, each program offers exciting, hands-on educational experiences aligned with B.C.'s Ministry of Education learning outcomes.
Partnerships with B.C. organizations Salmon River Enhancement Society and Beem Credit Union provide generous funding to help subsidize participation for students from schools facing financial barriers.
To celebrate 20 years, TWU hosted an open house event, coinciding with a visit by Grade 3 students from R.C. Garnett Demonstration School, who were at TWU to experience Salmon in the Valley. The class was joined by representatives from Beem Credit Union, Salmon River Enhancement Society, and the Township of Langley Mayor & Council, along with Trinity Western faculty and leadership from FNAS.
TWU students take the lead
Meklit Lulseged is the head teaching assistant (TA) for Salmon in the Valley this year. The second-year biology major loves seeing the impact this program can have on kids.
“We teach the kids how to be responsible and take care of nature in a fun and memorable way,” she says. “I love talking to the kids at the end of the day and asking them how we can implement what they learned, and their answers always amaze me.”
Through working as a TA, Lulseged is strengthening her leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity," she says.
Sharing wonder and excitement for science
On Lulseged's team is TA and biology major Princepreet Singh. He finds deep joy in working with young students and feels inspired by their energy, wonder, and excitement. “I have always loved science, but this program has helped me realize how much I love sharing it,” he remarks.
Singh is also grateful for the opportunity to work with a supportive teaching team. He especially appreciates his teammates and TWU staff members, including Chris Hall, Ecosystem Study Area lands manager, and Liz Robertson, FNAS office and project manager, who has managed SIV since the program began. “They have created a space where we can grow, shine, and genuinely make a difference,” he says.
Teaching Salmon in the Valley has likewise been a formative experience for first-year biology major Melody Dykstra, who shares, “First of all, getting to learn about the Ecosystem Study Area we have here on campus has made me appreciate ecology and botany as fields of study—influencing my future plans. Secondly, working with children has shown me the value of curiosity when studying the sciences.”
Introducing kids to a university science lab
While the Salmon and Ecosystems programs take place outdoors in TWU’s Ecosystems Study Area—a diverse habitat home to many plant and animal species, including some that are rare or endangered—the Chemistry and Biology programs are hosted in TWU’s science labs, where young students can conduct experiments in a real university setting.
Biology major Savreet Kaur describes the joy that she’s found working with the Biology program: “It’s incredibly rewarding to help guide students through hands-on lab activities and to see their curiosity grow,” Kaur remarks, noting that working as a TA has helped to strengthen her workplace skills and deepened her understanding of core scientific concepts.
Applying knowledge, helping others
Joining Savreet Kaur is biology major Shaylah Black and biotechnology major Victor Nwaneri. Black hopes that the program can spark interest among young learners in science fields. “I think it is very important for kids to explore different options for what they want to focus on in the future, and participating in SIV is an excellent way to open the door for them to be curious about science,” she remarks.
Nwaneri finds it especially rewarding to answer the questions of engaged and inquisitive students, saying, “My experience at SIV was fantastic, as it allowed me to apply my knowledge to help others.”
He adds, “This role motivated me to expand my knowledge on the subjects we discussed, especially since some children sought additional information, and I wanted to be well-prepared for future discussions.”
Exploring professional possibilities
For many students, the experience of teaching helps them clarify their own future directions.
Education major Daniel Friesen has applied what he’s been learning in the education program at TWU through designing and delivering lessons for the Chemistry program. “I really enjoyed making science fun and easy for students and getting to see them get excited about chemistry,” he shares. “It’s really confirmed my passion for teaching and making a difference in students’ lives.”
Chemistry major Anna Amate, who aspires to teach high school, has also found the experience of being a TA inspiring both for herself and others. “One of the most rewarding parts was seeing the excitement in the kids’ faces once they began to understand a topic," Amate shares, "It’s nice to see how my education can be used as a gift to teach others and maybe even encourage them to take science one day.”
Teaching SIV for a second summer in a row is third-year biology major Saniya Shamir Khoja, who describes the SIV program as “one of the most meaningful parts of my university experience so far.”
“It was so great to see these young kids getting real lab experience at such an early age at TWU,” she remarks. “And honestly, I’ve learned a lot from the kids too—their curiosity, creativity, and unique perspectives constantly reminded me to approach science with an open mind."
Future scientists at work
Environmental stewardship and creation care are part of TWU's faith-integrated science education. Through Science in the Valley, TWU faculty, staff, and students connect with the wider community by welcoming young local students to learn within TWU's campus habitats and laboratories, inspiring future scientists.
About TWU's Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
At TWU, your science education will be delivered by capable, committed Christian educators who are not only experts in their fields but scholars who continually advance their disciplines through research. Learn more at the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.