People in Greater Sudbury know how awesome Science North is, right? But not everyone is lucky enough to live in a community with access to one of the country’s premier science centres.
That’s about to change for some First Nations communities in the North. Through its PromoScience program, the federal government is investing $187,800 over three years so Science North can develop and deliver science and tech learning experiences to thousands of First Nations youth.
Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre made the announcement this morning on behalf of Science Minister Kirsty Duncan.
“We know science brings Canadians together,” Lefebvre said in a news release. “Sharing knowledge with curious minds makes the world accessible to anyone and brings science culture to Canadians at home in their communities.”
The funding comes through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Programs that are science-rich and culturally sensitive will be delivered in person and by teleconference, and the lessons reinforced through repeat visits, Science North said in a news release.
The science centre will develop 365 school outreach programs, using the Ontario school science curriculum that will connect with more than 10,000 JK to Grade 8 students in Indigenous communities. It will also develop e-workshop programs for students in Grade 4-6 at Indigenous schools, including remote communities.
Science North will also hold professional development workshops for 75 teachers working at First Nations schools. As well, Summer Science Days will be delivered in First Nations communities in Northern Ontario, engaging more than 2,000 young people age 8-12 over two days during the summer.
