News Release
Ontario Science Centre Receives $60,000 PromoScience Grant
July 07, 2010
The Ontario Science Centre is excited to announce it has been awarded a PromoScience grant of $60,000 by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to support its Technology Integration Project.
Over three years, this initiative will allow the Ontario Science Centre to work with young Ontario learners and their teachers to promote an understanding of science, technology, engineering and math through engaging hands-on learning experiences. The funding will enable the Science Centre to introduce new technology into its studio-based school programs to deepen the level of learner interaction and engagement and further stimulate students’ critical thinking skills.
Pilot testing and evaluation conducted by the Science Centre last year shows that new technologies introduced into its educational programs are powerful tools in increasing student engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Ontario Science Centre is proud to be an early-adopter of these technologies in informal science education, and will share our learnings in this field.
“PromoScience supports hands-on learning experiences for young students and their science teachers, which mirrors the Science Centre’s approach to encouraging students and teachers to explore science outside the classroom in creative and engaging ways,” said Catherine Paisley, Vice-President, Science Education, Ontario Science Centre. “We are thrilled to receive this grant which will go a long way to enhance our Technology Integration Project.”
The NSERC PromoScience program offers financial support for organizers working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science, engineering, mathematics and technology. Organizations funded through these grants include universities, non-governmental organizations, museums, science centres and other groups from across the country.
“Training is one of the most important parts of NSERC’s mandate,” said Suzanne Fortier, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. “By making science interesting and accessible, these organizations offer a very valuable service. They provide the spark that can inspire people to choose careers in science and engineering.”
The Ontario Science Centre is Ontario’s most visited cultural attraction welcoming almost 1.3 million visitors last year, including 200,000 students and teachers who participated in curriculum correlated programs that foster science literacy and encourage lifelong learning in young people. As a major cultural organization, the Ontario Science Centre plays a vital role within its community.
About NSERC: The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 28,000 students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. The agency promotes discovery by funding more than 11,800 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,500 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.