Released on February 18, 2000
Saskatchewan school children will learn more about science and technology andtheir real world applications, thanks to funding from the Saskatchewan Research
Council (SRC).
Innovators in the Schools, a program that puts science and technology
professionals in Saskatchewan classrooms, received a $25,000 boost today
courtesy of SRC.
Eldon Lautermilch, minister responsible for SRC, said the move is a natural
extension of SRC's mandate to create wealth through the responsible application
of science and technology.
"Wealth comes from using our resources to their full potential. Our greatest
resource is the minds of our young people," Lautermilch said. "By introducing
them to the opportunities that science and technology has to offer, we help
develop this resource. Ultimately, we ensure our province remains competitive
on the world stage."
The Innovators in the Schools program is aimed at promoting positive attitudes
toward science and technology. Teachers from across the province invite
volunteer experts into their classrooms. There, they hold workshops and
presentations on everything from dinosaurs to DNA.
The Hon. Sylvia Fedoruk, Honorary Chairperson for Innovators in the Schools,
accepted SRC's $25,000 cheque. She applauded the support for the program and
encouraged students, particularly young women and First Nations youth, to
consider careers in science. She also thanked the professionals that donate
their time to demonstrate their profession in Saskatchewan classrooms.
"Kids need role models, to show them how exciting science and technology can
be, to show them what is possible," Fedoruk said. "When I took physics in
university, I was the only girl in the class. Now, about a quarter of the
students in engineering classes are female. I'm so pleased there are more and
more opportunities for kids."
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan
(APEGS) has been a key partner in delivering the Innovators program since its
inception. Dennis Paddock, APEGS Executive Director & Registrar, explains that
the program is more than a career recruitment initiative.
"We like as well to raise general awareness of science in the student
population," Paddock said. "We are either involved as engineers or
geoscientists, or as consumers of science. We want awareness of science so
people can make informed choices."
Paddock thanked SRC for its donation to Innovators in the Schools and
encouraged other corporate citizens to put their support behind the program as
well.
Announcement of the funding took place at an open house at Innovation Place in
Saskatchewan, home of SRC. The event was jointly hosted by Innovators in the
Schools and SRC. About 460 students from Grades 5 through 8 spent the day at a
dozen interactive displays and demonstrations. These covered subjects like
climate and geology, diamond mining, DNA extraction, fermentation and an
alternative energy motor bike.
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For more information contact:
Wanda Brown
Communications & Marketing Analyst
Saskatchewan Research Council
Phone: (306) 933-6666
Emily Cherneski
Program Coordinator
Innovators in the Schools
Phone: (306) 933-7904