Our Vision, Mission and Values
For over 20 years, Scientists in School (SiS) has been dedicated to sparking children's interest and love of science, technology, engineering and the environment through hands-on discovery. A scientifically literate population has always been important for Canada but it's doubly so in the 21st century.
Our Mission
Scientists in School's mission is to ignite scientific curiosity in children so that they:
- question intelligently;
- learn through discovery;
- connect scientific knowledge to their world; and
- consider a career in science.
SiS Vision Statement
Our vision is every Canadian child actively engaged in the seeing, and doing and understanding of science. Our next generation deserves the opportunity to view science, and its offspring technology, as relevant, fun and something that every one of us - even the youngest - can participate in here and now, and not as something done in remote labs in faraway places. When children appreciate the world scientifically, it turns existence into both a marvel and an opportunity to make something of that marvel. Ultimately this turns Canada into a nation where both marvel and opportunity flourish, fueled by an appreciation of science.
Our Core Values
SiS's core values guide the way we develop and deliver our programs, work with our stakeholders, engage our people, and develop collaborations and partnerships. In our day-to-day efforts, our six core values define the manner in which we operate.
Passion and Inspiration
We are passionate about inspiring children to experience a sense of wonder and gain a real understanding about the world around them. We continually strive to maintain our own sense of wonder and passion for what we do, as we instill this passion for inquiry in others.
Professional and Ethical Excellence
We treat everyone with fairness, honesty, integrity, patience, understanding and trust. We respect the views of our colleagues, customers, supporters and partners and always consider these in the decisions we make. We are committed to continuous improvement and to satisfying our customers with innovative, high quality programs. We also value and respect the natural environment and will work to minimize the ecological footprint of our operations.
Diversity and Community
We value the diversity of our country and recognize the need to make our programs affordable and accessible to all. We strive to include all students regardless of their socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, geographic or academic profile. Each locally-driven Scientists in School branch aims to build relationships that address the specific needs of that community, recognizing the critical role the community plays in advancing and strengthening education.
Creating an Engaging Environment
We are committed to providing a fun and engaging environment both in the classroom and in the work environment. We aim to foster learning among students so that they not only learn concepts but strive to learn more. In our work environment, we nurture and celebrate success - both personally and professionally - and encourage and support a harmonious balance between work and personal life.
Teamwork and Collaboration
We foster a culture of teamwork that encourages mutual support, open and honest collaboration and sharing of ideas, both internally and externally. We put Scientists in School first and recognize that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Cultivating Partnerships
We actively encourage partnerships to support Scientists in School's vision. We value contributions of ideas, materials and resources - all of which help us to further the mission of Scientists in School. We work together in relationships of mutual benefit and trust.
PUTTING OUR CORE VALUES INTO ACTION!
Diversity and Community
For the past several years, SiS presenters have brought their enthusiasm to classrooms outside of current SiS regions, including to the Quinte Mohawk School in Tyendinaga Territory, Ontario and to Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. Even icebergs did not stop the Fogo team on one of its May visits. Many trips were required to get the materials across to the island by small aircraft when the ferry stopped running, but the week-long visit stayed on schedule to the delight of students and adults!
Cultivating Partnerships
In spring 2010, collaboration with the Lethbridge branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women and local scientists helped to ensure that our new Lethbridge branch reflected the needs and desires of the local community.
Creating an Engaging Environment
During the Vancouver Winter Olympics, SiS held its own Olympiad with "competition" taking place in the hall of our Ajax, Ontario offices. Onlooking tenants asked how they could apply to work for SiS! Presenters from our West Central Ontario branch celebrated another successful year with a "SiS Survivor" picnic, though nobody got voted off the island. These are just a couple of recent examples of ways SiS ensures fun not only in the classroom but at work as well.
Professional and Ethical Excellence
SiS believes that good things can be made to be even better. We value the input we receive from teachers, parents, students, presenters and others who experience our program and use this to improve our workshops on a continual basis. Do you have feedback to share with us? We'd welcome your perspective!