Local Students Explore Connections Between Hands-on Science Learning Opportunities and Career Pathways
Local Students Explore Connections Between Hands-on Science Learning Opportunities and Career Pathways
Fort St. John and Moberly Lake, B.C. – June 8, 2015 – More than 150 Northern B.C. students from Kindergarten to Grade 9 and their families from the Peace River region will gather with educators and industry partners at the Let’s Talk Science Extravaganza and Career Fair, from June 9 – 11 to explore learning opportunities and related career pathways in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The free community outreach events and workshops are hosted by Let’s Talk Science, an award-winning national charitable youth development organization, in partnership with Shell Canada and in collaboration with the Northern Opportunities Program.
Let’s Talk Science is inviting students and parents to its community outreach events in Fort St. John and Moberly Lake, B.C. for a variety of hands-on/minds-on STEM activities that relate to Northern B.C. and the world around them. Students, parents, educators and STEM partners will participate in a science show and hands-on activity stations, as well as a careers exhibit. In Fort St. John, participants will team up for a design challenge and have an opportunity to ask questions at a mini career fair.
As well, Let’s Talk Science volunteers and staff will offer curious students a chance to experience engaging classroom sessions during the school day, including topics such as predator/prey games, water sampling, and how birds build nests. Older students will take part in a robotic arm design challenge. All members of the community benefit as teachers will have a chance to participate in professional learning workshops that focus on inquiry and project-based learning using STEM questions as a foundation to build critical thinking, questioning, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
“We aim to inspire futures by giving youth a chance to explore STEM through hands-on learning. It’s not about memorizing science content, it’s more about the process of discovery that we’re trying to offer students,” said Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, Founding President of Let’s Talk Science. “By exploring STEM, students develop a breadth of essential skills that are important for our increasingly complex world.”
“Science, technology and engineering are obviously in Shell’s DNA. By connecting the communities of Moberly Lake and Fort St. John with Let’s Talk Science and our own staff we can introduce some exciting learning and career opportunities within our industry and participate in community development,” said Shell Canada’s Mindy Henyu, Aboriginal Relations and Bryant Bird, Social Performance.
About Let’s Talk Science
Let’s Talk Science is an award-winning, national, charitable organization focused on education and outreach to support youth development. The organization creates and delivers unique learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Let’s Talk Science strives to prepare youth for their future careers and role as citizens in a rapidly changing world. Let’s Talk Science was founded in London, Ontario in 1993. From its office located in London, it serves national audiences. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit www.letstalkscience.ca.
About Shell Canada
Shell has been operating in Canada for over 100 years and employs over 9,000 people across the country. Our business is providing energy to Canadians and people around the world, and we are one of the few truly integrated oil and gas companies in Canada. This means we do everything from exploring for oil and gas, production, refining, the manufacturing process, and delivery to our customers at over 1,200 retail stations across Canada.
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For further information, contact:
Kim Morningstar
Communications Officer
Let’s Talk Science
E: kmorningstar@letstalkscience.ca