Alberta Inventors and Inventions - Private Sector Policy

Private Sector

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Let's Talk Science

Involving students in the sciences at a young age secures the future of Canadian innovation.

Let's Talk Science was created in 1991 as a program to raise the awareness of science in local high-schools. Originally located in Ontario, Let's Talk Science has expanded across the country and received significant recognition and a number of prestigious awards. This organization provides a grassroots approach to science education in Canada. Let's Talk Science demonstrates the importance and relevance of science in everyday life and wants to "stop the stereotype" of the crazed scientist working alone in a laboratory.

Let's Talk Science believes science provides an excellent basis to build positive attitudes, problem solving, teamwork and communication among young students in Canada. Their areas of focus include life sciences, physical sciences, technology, mathematics and engineering. The long term goals of Let's Talk Science include

Creating an interest in science for young people

Improving the competence and confidence of science teachers in Canada's schools

Encouraging the program's participants life-long interest in science

Understanding science learning and developing effective teaching practices through research

Let's Talk Science uses three main strategies to promote science literacy in Canada

In-Class Workshops. In-class workshops provide innovative learning strategies centered on fun and discovery to develop a student's learning skill and development. These workshops provide hands-on activities to bring textbook curriculum to life. Several of these programs have a take-home component to involve the student's parents in science as well.

Teacher Professional Development. According to their website, Let's Talk Science believes that educators are essential to changing the education system and are pivotal to the role of science in Canada. Through professional development workshops and conferences, Let's Talk Science provides teachers with programs designed to increase a teacher's confidence and knowledge in science to provide their students with a stimulating science learning environment.

Partnership Program. The Partnership Program is the Let's Talk Science's volunteer group that provides a network to expand the science and innovation network within Canada. Volunteers are given opportunities to perform hands-on science experiments in schools and the community.