The Year of Science in British Columbia

On Friday, the Premier announced the Year of Science in British Columbia. You can find more information on the events for the upcoming year at www.yearofsciencebc.ca and the press release at http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2010PREM0170-001....

Those of you that have heard me talk about science being lost in the wave of literacy and numeracy events know that I support any government initiative on science and more particularly science education. It was good to see that science is finally coming on the radar of the Premier and Advanced Education Ministry. As the Premier remarked to the young students in the audience, “they are the future that will solve the problems of today.” And perhaps in the highlight of the day, a young student immediately put his arms in the air and yelled “alright!” We can’t forget the passion and excitement science brings to many of our students. I believe that sense of wonder is never lost in all kids of any age, it just lies dormant until someone provides the right conditions for it to grow again.

But along with the good news for science and science education, I must confess that I was disappointed not to see any representation from the Ministry of Education. So much of the day talked about the importance of teachers, students, parents and scientists talking and working together, but there was no one to take the message back to the Minister of Education. Perhaps not having a curriculum branch doesn’t help the matter. After all, we need subject experts in the government if we’re going to advance the science education agenda in BC. Or am I missing something here?

I think there are many opportunities to make this school year the time when we get more kids and teachers than ever involved in science activities across the province. We, at Edvantage, will help by holding our BC Science Institute on October 22 in Surrey to bring in over 250 science teachers from across the province. Imagine just how much excitement around science will be generated when we have that many science educators in one room. We will also talk with the government and any other science organizations that are interested in additional events to support the science educators of BC.

Stay tuned for more ……..


Lionel