Trapped at TRIUMF
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
On her first day at a new middle school in Vancouver, Cindy makes friends with her lab partners: Peter, Lincoln, Katy, and Ali. They quickly bond over their shared love of science and form a secret club, the Thunderbirds, named for Cindy's Indigenous heritage. After causing an explosion in the school lab, they get suspended and spend their free time camping near the TRIUMF science center. One night, they overhear thieves plotting to steal TRIUMF's atomic battery and decide to stop them. With the help of an RCMP ally, the Thunderbirds work to save the day, learning about courage, independence, and the importance of doing the right thing along the way. They discover that even science nerds can triumph over evil.
Discussion points
How did the characters' actions lead to them being trapped at TRIUMF, and what would you have done differently in their situation?
What do you think the main characters learned about themselves and each other by the end of the book?
How did the setting of TRIUMF contribute to the story? Can you imagine this story taking place somewhere else?
What role do you think teamwork played in the characters' escape? Can you recall a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, discussing what choices they would make in similar situations. Use the story as a springboard to talk about the importance of teamwork and understanding different perspectives. Highlight any scientific elements or facts introduced in the setting of TRIUMF, sparking curiosity and further research. Finally, connect the themes of the book to real-life experiences to help deepen your child’s understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Trapped at TRIUMF' must collaborate to solve puzzles and navigate their way through the mysterious TRIUMF facility.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work together with others to achieve common goals, enhancing their cooperation skills which are essential in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists face various challenges that require them to think critically and make quick decisions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to analyze situations and think logically in real-life scenarios, such as solving conflicts or making important decisions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The young characters show bravery when confronting unknown elements within the TRIUMF facility, demonstrating resilience despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of facing fears and overcoming obstacles, which is crucial in building self-confidence and persistence in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The story promotes a curiosity-driven approach as the characters explore and learn more about the science behind TRIUMF.
Real-World Application: This could inspire children to pursue learning with enthusiasm and an inquisitive mind, applying it to their academic subjects or new hobbies.
Example Lesson: Importance of Asking for Help
Explanation: When situations get too challenging, the characters understand the need to seek help from knowledgeable figures around them.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of seeking assistance when needed, whether from teachers, parents, or friends, fostering a supportive community environment.