On July 10, 2025, students in the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board’s Summer School STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) program received a powerful real-world lesson when they were joined by members of the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) North East Region Emergency Response Team.

Sergeant Christopher Furino and Constable Jason Valente, both highly trained members of the Explosives Disposal Unit, demonstrated how robotic technology is used in policing to safely manage dangerous situations, such as suspicious packages, to keep our communities safe.

The demonstration is directly connected to the summer program’s theme, which is based on Peter Brown’s novel The Wild Robot, a story that explores how technology interacts with the natural world. Students watched as the police robot navigated the schoolyard, hallways, and classrooms, learning how it helps protect both officers and the public during its operations.

This visit truly brought science and technology to life, showing students how STEAM learning applies to real-world careers in public safety and engineering. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sgt. Furino and Cst. Valente for visiting us and inspiring the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.