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Marking a Scientists in School Milestone: Reflections on Lives Touched

Sometime in the past year, Scientists in School marked a milestone when the 4 millionth student scientist rolled up her sleeves and began what we hope will be a lifetime journey of scientific discovery. Igniting scientific curiosity in children is at the heart of Scientists in School's mission. And for 22 years - together with you, the teachers - we have provided that spark, giving our youngest minds the challenges, materials and scientific guidance they need to pursue their natural curiosity.

Now, over 4 million students later, I can't help but wonder what has and will become of our student scientists. What have we ignited with over 4 million sparks?

Recently, Scientists in School was invited to participate in a community festival hosted by Bombardier where we shared a taste of our award-winning workshops. That's where I met Robert. Robert approached me with a broad smile, claiming to be a Scientists in School 'fan'. He remembered me as a presenter and claimed, "I still have the tree leaf fossil I made when you visited my class in grade 4." Now a third year aerospace engineering student at Ryerson and an intern at Bombardier, Robert spoke enthusiastically about his current pursuits. "I get to play with pneumatic and hydraulic systems in airplane engines," he explained, "and, by the way, they're just like the pneumatic systems we experimented with when Scientists in School came to my class in grade 8 - only much bigger!"

Even if Robert's passion for engineering was stronger than his zest for botany, he could not have been a more powerful reminder to this botanist of why Scientists in School matters. Robert and over 4 million other student scientists will never forget the day or days they spend as a scientist in school. They will, and do, carry with them a permanent spark.

Thank you for welcoming us into your classrooms and into the lives of your students! Scientists in School is still delivering workshops right through the end of June. Click here to book your workshop today. By May, we will also start accepting bookings for the 2011/2012 school year.

Warmest regards,
Cindy Adams
Executive Director

Science with Inspiration: The SiS Impact

SiS believes strongly that science isn't just for "scientists". We aim to inspire all children, regardless of their future aspirations, and show them the worlds that exist with a strong foundation in science.

I really liked it when you made the dry ice and when you let us do the experiment. I wonder if some day I'll do something important like join N.A.S.A. or be the first person on mars. A kid can dream.

We are often asked what makes SiS so effective in "sparking" scientific interest in children. The answer lies in our approach - and our passion:

• Discovery-based workshops where children become the scientists - Children love to "learn by doing" and they get to "do" a lot in a SiS workshop - using equipment and materials often unavailable to schools. They question, investigate, observe and discover - just like real scientists.

"For the past three years my school has had the pleasure of the 'Scientists in School' program. What an inspiration it has been! Our community needs our young people to be open to the possibilities that science provides. 'Scientists in School' is so inviting and engaging that students are spurred on to believe in the possible. It is heartwarming for me to enter a classroom and hear a kindergarten student declare that he is going to be a scientist. ... Scientists in School is a highly effective program that impacts the school and community at large."

- Kathleen Manderville, Principal, Quinte Mohawk School

• Half-day format that allows for in-depth investigations - An SiS workshop provides ample opportunity for children to delve into topics and make meaningful discoveries using investigative approaches. We embrace the idea that, in science, there are no mistakes - only discoveries. Students often say they wish our workshops were longer!

We learned many new things about science and that you never make a mistake you just made a discovery. I think it is very interesting.

• The very best presenters and role models - SiS presenters are scientists, engineers, technologists and more drawn from the local community. They undergo extensive training with SiS and are passionate role models who motivate children with their experience and enthusiasm. They provide programming that's fun, enriching, and connected to the real world.

I learned alot now. I now know because of you nothing is impossible and I think that science is way more interesting than I would ever think.

• Repeated experiences throughout the formative elementary school years - Children have an innate curiosity and love for science. By targeting our efforts at elementary school children and providing repeated exposure throughout these critical years, we aim to inspire a passion for science to carry them through high school and beyond.
• Active parent involvement - SiS understands the vital role that parents play in their children's education. By engaging parents directly as "lab assistants" in SiS workshops, we aim to heighten their interest and ability to foster continued science exploration at home.
• Learning opportunities for teachers - SiS provides teachers with access to resources, science experts and ideas to enhance their "tool kit" for science teaching outside of the workshop.
• "Real world" connections - SiS workshops are connected to real world issues, seizing every opportunity to promote environmental stewardship, advance how technology leads to innovative solutions and illustrate to students how science is used to solve today's most pressing problems.
• Application of "life skills" - SiS workshops reach beyond science. We emphasize "process skills" (asking questions, making observations, recording and analyzing data, communicating findings) and "workplace skills" (teamwork, problem-solving, active learning, critical-thinking) - necessary no matter what life path is eventually followed.

Above all ... we make science relevant, achievable and FUN!!