Moronke Harris, aka The Imaginative Scientist, has always been curious about the ocean. As a child, she spent hours investigating any pools, rivers, lakes and oceans she could get into, and watching documentaries that told her just how “vast,” “beautiful” and “strange” the ocean was.
Today, the ocean is still a wondrous place—more than 80% of it has never been seen by humans. But because of scientists like Moronke (now an oceanographer and PhD student at the University of Victoria) who follow their curiosities to wherever it leads them, we get to know a little more about the world around us each day.
“The most fascinating part of my work is the rarity, the uniqueness of location, and the potential for discovery,” Moronke says. “Thousands of metres under the ocean’s surface exists a world that survives and thrives in the absence of sunlight!”
Tap into your curious side with her favourite items from our Science Store for maximum exploration!
An excellent introduction into the science behind hydraulics, this 4-in-kit teaches kids how pressurized fluid generates power, allowing machines to pick, lift, or move things around. Build your own hydraulic machine with the equipment and guides provided and prepare for liftoff!
Why Moronke loves it:
“It’s perfect for anyone with an interest in robotics or in the wonders of the deep sea—very little exploration would happen without hydraulic power! The pressures of the deep sea are too great for any human body to withstand, so much deep-sea research is completed using submersibles that are powered by hydraulics.
Will these machines lead you to a career in submersible engineering or piloting? The possibilities are endless!”
Move over Remy from Ratatouille, there’s a new, cuter mouse in town!
Easy-to-use buttons, 30 coding cards, and 10 activity cards make Colby, the Robot Mouse, a great tool for future roboticists and engineers to learn the basics of coding. Input your commands using the helpful guides provided and watch Colby move, squeak, light up or track down some cheese!
Why Moronke loves it:
“Coding is the future of the world; from laptops and phones to entire cities, it is an important part of the digital transformation. An early introduction to coding will open up opportunities for children to explore the world of technology and allow them to acquire skills that they can use in future careers. As an oceanographer, I use computer coding in my research and writing. It’s an important skill to have, and even greater to learn early!”
Build a human sundial, fly a homemade kite, make a rain gauge or start a worm farm. Leaf through this handy book 101 Things for Kids to do Outside, by Dawn Isaac, and find endless inspiration for exciting experiments, crafts, games, and gardening projects to do in the great outdoors! While you’re out there, don’t forget to take a look around and marvel at the wide range of plants and animals that live around you.
Why Moronke loves it:
“This book is an excellent gift to inspire the upcoming generation of science enthusiasts! Nature provides countless opportunities for discovery, problem-solving, confidence-building, creativity, and sensory development. Exploration promotes curiosity while limiting the fear of failure. When children interact with natural environments, they learn by doing and experimenting with ideas. The thinking, questioning, and hypotheses-making provided by nature develop inquisitive minds.”
From Bella Coola Valley and Mount Kobau to Haida Gwaii and Brandywine Falls, there are many breathtaking spots in our wonderful province—it's no wonder we call it “Beautiful British Columbia.” Spend an afternoon with this guidebook 100 Nature Hot Spots in British Columbia by Lyndsay Fraser and Christina Smyth and discover new spots for camping, hiking, and taking in the beauty of lush rainforests, biodiverse inlets, rocky shores and snow-capped mountains.
Why Moronke loves it:
“I’m an avid ‘outdoorsman.’ I spend much of my summers backpacking out in the Rockies, surfing in Tofino, or road-tripping long distances in search of untouched, breathtaking landscapes.
This illustrated guide has detailed chapters and plenty of photographs, making it a great gift for both seasoned explorers in search of new travel inspiration and fresh faces ready to venture into the outdoor world! Best of all, it includes GPS coordinates, seasonal guidelines, and contact information for each location, making trip planning a breeze.”
Keep exploring the deep sea.
Check out Moronke's video about her expeditions and learn more about why we need to protect the ocean's deepest parts in this story.