U of S awarded more than $100,000 to support science activities for youth across Saskatchewan
Three unique educational initiatives at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) that provide interactive science activities for young students got a funding boost today from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
By Michael Robin
Just over $100,000 was awarded as part of NSERC's PromoScience program, which provides hands-on learning for young students in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
"These investments will spark the passion of students for science that can lead to excellent career opportunities for the future," said Karen Chad, vice-president research at the U of S. "These innovative projects are a great example of how we promote active, inclusive learning, and I commend the co-ordinators and everyone associated with these outstanding programs for helping to strengthen bonds with communities, particularly with our Aboriginal partners."
The successful U of S projects are:
For more information about NSERC and PromoScience, please visit nserc-crsng.gc.ca.
For more information:
Lesley Porter
Communications Co-ordinator
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6077
lesley.porter@usask.ca
"These investments will spark the passion of students for science that can lead to excellent career opportunities for the future," said Karen Chad, vice-president research at the U of S. "These innovative projects are a great example of how we promote active, inclusive learning, and I commend the co-ordinators and everyone associated with these outstanding programs for helping to strengthen bonds with communities, particularly with our Aboriginal partners."
The successful U of S projects are:
- Sandy Bonny (arts and science) was awarded $66,000 over three years for the Science Ambassador Program, which pairs senior undergraduate and graduate STEM students with remote Aboriginal community schools for four to six weeks each spring. The science ambassadors provide support to the schools' science teachers, act as academic role models, lead hands-on activities for students and broaden their own perspectives as future STEM professionals by participating in community life.
- Lana Elias (arts and science) was awarded $29,700 for Kamskénow, which provides science and mathematics activities over 13 weeks. Science Outreach instructors travel to Saskatoon community and inner-city schools and bring a variety of entertaining and informative hands-on activities in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, math and physics. The last weekly session, hosted on campus, includes lab tours and sessions from researchers about the work they do. In 2014, Kamskénow won an international Global Best award from the International Business Education Partnership Network.
- Evan Nordquist (engineering) was awarded $8,500 for SCI-FI Summer Camps, a staple in the college for many years. The new funding will allow the program to add locations in Meadow Lake and Nipawin, bringing the popular summer camp to children in those communities who otherwise could not attend. Every year, more than 10,000 youth from across Saskatchewan take part in summer camps, workshops and science clubs.
For more information about NSERC and PromoScience, please visit nserc-crsng.gc.ca.
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For more information:
Lesley Porter
Communications Co-ordinator
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6077
lesley.porter@usask.ca