![Swiss Innovation Camp]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732049010/bishopscollegeschoolcom/sknvthyxdfxhtsqppxjq/PotDNov192024.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732049010/bishopscollegeschoolcom/sknvthyxdfxhtsqppxjq/PotDNov192024.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732049010/bishopscollegeschoolcom/sknvthyxdfxhtsqppxjq/PotDNov192024.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732049010/bishopscollegeschoolcom/sknvthyxdfxhtsqppxjq/PotDNov192024.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732049010/bishopscollegeschoolcom/sknvthyxdfxhtsqppxjq/PotDNov192024.png","width":1575}])
From November 11-18, a group of our Form IV-VI students embarked on an unforgettable adventure in Switzerland! A heartfelt thank you to our incredible trip organizer and chaperones, Marie-France Labelle, Kieran McCormick, and Marita Vanier, for making this experience so special. Read Marie-France’s full recap below to relive the journey!
Day 1-2
Students engaged with physicists working at the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research). They also enjoyed scientific investigations and activities at the CERN Science Gateway to better understand how the Large Hadron Collider works. Finally, they observed moving particles during a cloud chamber workshop. A big thank you to Archana Sharma and Jeff Wiener for their hospitality!
Day 3
It was a full day, beginning with a visit to the EPFL Biotech campus for a presentation on the Blue Brain Project, which focuses on digitally reconstructing and simulating the mouse brain. Our students' neurons were sparking! They then visited the International School of Geneva (La Chat) for a STEM F1 track and wind tunnel experiment to determine which 3D-printed car was the fastest. Thank you to Daniel Auger!
Day 4
Students visited the STEM Centre at the International School of Geneva (LGB), where they worked with 3D printing and laser-cutting software to design various objects. Additionally, virtual reality and Minecraft activities bridged art and history with STEM. To end the day, students visited the UN Office in Geneva or crossed Lac Léman by boat for some hot chocolate. Shopping and great food in downtown Geneva was the evening’s highlight.
Day 5
In the morning, students learned about the collision of the Rhône and Arve rivers, which do not mix due to differences in speed, temperature, and density. Swiss chocolate-making at Favarger was the highlight of the day. This workshop was followed by a visit to the Red Cross Museum, where students learned how humanitarian action impacts us all, here and now, and how AI adds complexity to the world we strive to understand.
Day 6
Students traveled by bus to explore the beautiful mountainous town of Chamonix, France. Glaciers were visible from the town but were seen more clearly on a hike to a famous waterfall, the Cascade du Dard. Of course, fondue, raclette, and gelato were on the menu for lunch!
Day 7
The last day featured a walk through Geneva's old town, soaking in historical monuments, and shopping and eating international foods at the Plainpalais flea market. Artifacts, such as old microscopes and scientific measuring instruments, were discovered during our visit to the History of Science Museum.
Students learned a great deal about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) domains, but most importantly, they came to understand that analyzing data, making errors along the way, and working collaboratively are crucial for new discoveries and understanding our world and beyond!