Powering kids' passion for science

MindFuel makes technology and math fun through interactive learning

In science, the term “litmus test” refers to a critical sign of future success or failure. In science education for elementary school children, the litmus test is recess.

Last fall, MindFuel staff watched in amazement as children at Hillhurst School in northwest Calgary moved begrudgingly outside for recess – after being shooed away from computers, where they were exploring science programming on MindFuel’s interactive website, Wonderville.ca. The folks from MindFuel knew their work had passed the test.

MindFuel, formerly Science Alberta Foundation, is a non-profit organization that seeks to make science, technology, engineering, and math relevant and fun for kids. “We want kids to see that science is everywhere, not just in the lab,” says Cassy Weber, CEO of MindFuel.

Now celebrating its 25th year, MindFuel embraces its original mandate of engaging kids in science – and, through support from the Alberta government and sponsors such as Enbridge, has developed award-winning, innovative learning tools that keep kids engaged.

In its early days, MindFuel shipped out crates to schools with materials for science units. Today, MindFuel’s programming includes Ignition Packs; digital and hands-on resources for schools; Edacity.ca, a rural youth science network that uses social media; event-based science fun for high school students; and interactive website Wonderville.ca – science exploration through activities, games and videos.

“Our vision and our mission haven’t changed, but the ways we go about delivering that information has evolved,” says Weber.

That delivery evolution now includes hundreds of online games, animations and videos. Each takes a complex, scientific topic – nanotechnology, synthetic biology, pipelines  – and breaks it down into clear, basic components. The average Wonderville.ca game or video spends six to 15 months in development, with input from subject matter experts, educational resource experts, and software and video/animation developers.

The reach and the impact of MindFuel’s programming make this effort worthwhile, says Weber. The organization has delivered more than 25 million learning experiences in 25 years. It has also earned an impressive reputation. Orders for MindFuel’s stand-alone program kiosks have come from clients as far away, and as unlikely as, the government of Aragon, an autonomous community of Spain. The organization has garnered several impressive awards, including the 2011 Webby Award – considered the Oscar of the internet – for best animation, alongside other winners such as Angry Birds, Disney Online, and National Geographic.

In recent years, MindFuel has built a substantial body of resources with help from Enbridge, which has supported the creation of 18 digital learning assets on Wonderville.ca – including games such as Project VRP and Science of Pipelines, and videos such as Heavy on Gases, Pressure Soakers, Pipelines: Here, There and Everywhere, and Careers in Pipelines: Keeping Modern Life Flowing.

“By supporting quality science programming through MindFuel, Enbridge is supporting the cultivation of Alberta’s next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists,” says Lorna St. Thomas, Enbridge’s Manager of Community Partnerships. “Our support means an investment in Alberta’s future employees and in a healthy Alberta economy.”

Weber couldn’t agree more. “(MindFuel) is a delivery mechanism for an investment into the next generation,” she says. “Over our 25 years, we’ve served millions of students and thousands upon thousands of teachers – and none of that would be possible without corporate sponsorships.”