St Paul, & District Ab STEM and STEAM Society

08/23/2026

☀️ SPARK THE CONVERSATION: Should every new Calgary building help generate its own power?

This two-minute video shows how photovoltaic cells turn sunlight into electricity. It sounds simple—but designing a solar-powered city raises bigger questions.

Calgary is one of Canada’s sunniest cities. Where should solar panels go first: homes, schools, libraries, parking lots or community centres? What should happen when the sun is not shining? And who should benefit most from the electricity produced?

Watch: https://buff.ly/f8SqWkT

Ask your young city-builder:
“If you had 100 solar panels for Calgary, where would you place them—and why?”

Calgary 2035 students explore these tradeoffs by building renewable-energy systems in Minecraft Education.

Register: https://buff.ly/D38uMZf

Solar panels are a popular and effective way to generate clean, ren...

08/23/2026

💧 SPARK THE CONVERSATION: Can Calgary generate power from flowing water without building a massive dam?

This two-minute video introduces turbulent micro-hydro: a compact vortex system designed to turn moving water into renewable electricity.

Now imagine placing a micro-hydro project near a Calgary waterway. How would we protect fish and river habitats? Should the electricity support nearby homes, transit, parks—or emergency services? Is smaller, local energy better than one large power station?

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA-llCWO_8w

Ask your young engineer:
“What would a fish-safe power system need before Calgary should approve it?”

In Calgary 2035, students use Minecraft Education to balance clean energy, reliable infrastructure and environmental care.

Register: https://buff.ly/D38uMZf

08/22/2026

♻️ SPARK THE CONVERSATION: What if yesterday’s waste could help power tomorrow’s city?

This short animation explains how organic material can break down inside a biogas plant and produce usable gas for heat or electricity.

Could Calgary collect food scraps and other organic waste to create backup energy? Where should a biogas facility be located? How would we manage odour, safety and truck traffic—and how much should nearby communities help decide?

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr2jDzkcD1Y

Ask your young city-builder:
“During a winter blackout, should stored biogas power a hospital, a heating centre or public transit first?”

Calgary 2035 students explore waste-to-resource systems and make real priority-power decisions in Minecraft Education.

Register: https://buff.ly/D38uMZf

08/21/2026

💨 SPARK THE CONVERSATION: How much wind energy should be part of Calgary’s future power mix?

Wind power can generate electricity without burning fuel, but every energy choice involves tradeoffs: location, land use, transmission, reliability and community impact.

Explore the one-minute wind overview and Energy Month resources: https://buff.ly/kZvV8ax

Where should turbines be built? How should communities weigh clean power against views, wildlife and land use? And when the wind slows down, which source—solar, hydro, biogas or stored battery power—should take over?

Ask your young planner:
“Would you choose one powerful energy source or a mix of several? Defend your design.”

Calgary 2035 students build smart grids in Minecraft Education and learn that reliable cities need thoughtful energy choices.

Register: https://buff.ly/D38uMZf

The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) is an independent, non-profit alliance focusing on infrastructure innovation through awareness, education, and research.

08/21/2026

Minecraft + real-world engineering = Calgary 2035! 🛠️⚡

This Sunday, students in Grades 3–9 will design a Future Energy Hub in Minecraft Education—learning how Calgary can keep power reliable, sustainable and ready for emergencies.

Young engineers will explore:
☀️ Solar fields
💨 Wind turbines
💧 Bow River micro-hydro
♻️ Biogas backup energy
🔋 Battery storage and smart grids

They’ll also decide which essential services—such as hospitals and water systems—should receive priority power during a blackout.

Session 3: Future Energy Hub
📅 Sunday, August 23
💵 $40 per student
🎮 Hands-on Minecraft Education STEAM learning

Register: https://buff.ly/D38uMZf

08/08/2026

SPARK THE CONVERSATION: Designing with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia in Mind 🔤🔢

Reading, spelling, writing and remembering written or numerical information may take more effort. Many learners show strengths through talking, creating, images, pattern-finding or hands-on work.

Watch and listen to these perspectives:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3iCLLh_Cs4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftrXVxbkjUs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjq-HvIDkdk

Then ask:
• What barrier did the person describe or show?
• What support, strategy or environment seemed helpful?
• What could we build in Minecraft to offer that choice?

Minecraft design challenge: use large readable signs, colour-coded routes, symbols, audio or NPC instructions, model tables and a hands-on building challenge. Let learners show understanding in more than one way.

How could someone navigate your build without relying only on text or numbers?



Register for Calgary 2035: Future City Builders:
https://buff.ly/EfMslwF

In this video, Matt Cruger, Clinical Neuropsychologist at the Child...

08/08/2026

SPARK THE CONVERSATION: Designing with People with Down Syndrome in Mind 💛💙

A person may benefit from extra time, clear steps, physical access, movement practice and encouragement. Interests, preferences and strengths remain individual—start by asking, not assuming.

Watch and listen to these perspectives:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VMz06iVzqs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtTG4UQe-Ug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DopaD6jZKks

Then ask:
• What barrier did the person describe or show?
• What support, strategy or environment seemed helpful?
• What could we build in Minecraft to offer that choice?

Minecraft design challenge: use wide paths, ramps, accessible washrooms, large targets, gentle games, resting points, clear visual instructions and more than one way to complete a task.

Which part of your build offers genuine choice—not just access?



Register for Calgary 2035: Future City Builders:
https://buff.ly/EfMslwF

A short video produced by Down Syndrome Queensland in conjunction w...

08/08/2026

SPARK THE CONVERSATION: Designing with OCD in Mind 🧭

Intrusive thoughts and uncertainty can make ordinary activities feel stressful. Calm routines and knowing the plan may help. OCD is not simply liking things neat or organized.

Watch and listen:
https://buff.ly/Az1urwH

Then ask:
• What barrier did the person describe or show?
• What support, strategy or environment seemed helpful?
• What could we build in Minecraft to offer that choice?

Minecraft design challenge: create a predictable entrance, map wall, “First → Next → Finished” board, labelled storage, quiet reset space and a no-pressure practice area. Build clarity without requiring a learner to perform rituals or seek repeated reassurance.

How can a space reduce uncertainty while still allowing flexibility?



Register for Calgary 2035: Future City Builders:
https://buff.ly/EfMslwF

The kids from "UNSTUCK: An OCD kids movie" talk about how they lear...

08/08/2026

Final weekend to join Calgary 2035: Future City Builders! 🚨This Sunday, students in Grades 3–9 begin a six-week Minecraft Education journey through inclusive communities, sustainable energy, future mobility, smart neighbourhoods and responsible technology.📅 Sunday, August 9🕛 12:00–2:00 p.m.📍 Shawnessy Library, CalgaryLimited spaces remain. Complete registration today: https://buff.ly/EfMslwFFull program: https://buff.ly/r6o2j8a

08/07/2026

SPARK THE CONVERSATION: Designing with Autistic Learners in Mind 🌈

Sounds, lights, crowds, unclear instructions and unexpected changes may take extra energy. Predictability, clarity and choice can help—and every autistic person is different.

Watch and listen to these perspectives:
https://buff.ly/n1fGpmK
https://buff.ly/tPLK4pJ
https://buff.ly/PCFqbwO

Then ask:
• What barrier did the person describe or show?
• What support, strategy or environment seemed helpful?
• What could we build in Minecraft to offer that choice?

Minecraft design challenge: build a calm room with soft lighting, a water feature, low-clutter zones, clear signs, a visual schedule and a quiet reset pod. Include both social and quiet routes so participation never depends on tolerating one environment.

What choice would make your build feel more welcoming?



Register for Calgary 2035: Future City Builders:
https://buff.ly/EfMslwF

Find more resources at http://www.edutopia.org/special-educationS...