Shark Field Trip

On May 5th, 2025, a group of DMCI chemistry students attended the Solar Hydrogen Activity Research Kit, better known as SHArK North! The SHArk program partners with several Winnipeg-area high schools to introduce their grade 11 and 12 students to materials science and renewable energy research, while also challenging them to explore sustainable solutions to power our planet.

Held at the University of Manitoba, students were able to gain hands-on experience on building and testing materials that could help sustainably power our planet, giving them a glimpse into real renewable energy research and what the SHArK program is all about!

Two DMCI students in grade 11, Angel M. and Ken N., presented their work at this year’s SHArK North! Program. Both shared how this program gave them an opportunity to work at a university lab setting, gaining not only experience - but expanding their scientific knowledge. One student said “My experience at SHArK is exceptional. After each session passes, I feel like my knowledge and passion for science in general and chemistry in particular are growing stronger. Each experiment we conduct deepens my understanding of real-world scientific concepts and fuels my curiosity to learn more.”

Their activities were separated into five sections stretching from October to May. During each section, they conducted experiments to figure out which element worked the best in the separation of hydrogen. These experiments included calculating the mass of metals, diluting them in nitric acid, and separating solutions. On the final day, many schools partnered with SHArK Program were invited to listen to the findings and experience a condensed version of the SHArK experiments by visiting stations.

At the end, they recommend fellow students to take part in next year's 2025-2026 SHArK Program! Their overall experience at SHArK introduced them to new friends whom they can share and gain new knowledge with. One student shared “There are countless combinations of metals that yield different results, so people can't just do it alone. But, as more and more people take part in the SHArK program the more effective combinations will be discovered, which means we will soon make a huge step on preventing the climate change crisis.” 

By participating in programs - such as SHArK North - students are helping shape the future of renewable energy, fighting climate change! 

Written by DMCI Spotlight