Scientists in School: Sparking a Love for STEM in Canada’s Future Generations

© Courtesy of Scientists in School

Scientists in School: Sparking a Love for STEM in Canada’s Future Generations

Julia was a quiet student. She didn’t know it then, but she was waiting for something in her Grade 7 class to spark her interest and change the trajectory of her life.

That spark came when she was asked to help younger students during their Scientists in School workshop. These workshops—led by visiting presenters who bring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to life—transform classrooms into vibrant spaces of discovery. For Julia, these workshops didn’t feel like a regular school day—they felt extraordinary. Guiding her younger schoolmates through hands-on experiments exploring wind turbines and UV rays made her feel extraordinary, too.

Scientists in School has spent 35 years inspiring curiosity, confidence, and a love of discovery in youth like Julia. Julia’s story goes on to university acceptances, engineering camp leadership, and more—and Julia is just one of 11 million youth in 500,000 Kindergarten through Grade 8 classrooms across Canada who the organization has inspired.

Through curriculum-aligned workshops Scientists in School immerses youth in STEM experiences, igniting their imaginations and encouraging bright futures. During the 2023-2024 school year alone, 330,000 young learners participated in 14,000 classroom and community workshops across 555 rural, urban, and remote communities.

TRANSFORMING CLASSROOMS INTO LABORATORIES OF DISCOVERY

Scientists in School’s success is rooted in an immersive approach to STEM education. In each workshop, youth become scientists, making discoveries and building their STEM skills.

Julia and her classmates learned from STEM experts about how to be scientists right there in the classroom. Scientists in School partners with teachers to ignite hands-on learning while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

BRIDGING GAPS AND BUILDING FUTURES

STEM skills are critical to Canada’s future, with 50 to 75 per cent of tomorrow’s jobs expected to be STEM-related. Yet, fewer than 30 per cent of Canadian high school graduates complete advanced science courses. Scientists in School tackles this challenge by inspiring interest in STEM throughout the K to Grade 8 learning years.

Julia is just one example of the kind of student the organization impacts. She was a quiet kid until she blossomed into a confident leader in their workshops. Now, she’s a well-rounded university graduate in environmental engineering.

Scientists in School strives to reach every young learner in Canada. The organization brings scientist presenters, hands-on materials, and curriculum-aligned investigations to every workshop. Last year, nearly half of the workshops took place in marginalized and under-resourced communities, reaching classrooms and students facing barriers to STEM enrichment opportunities.

RESEARCH-SUPPORTED IMPACT

The transformative power of Scientists in School is undeniable. A longitudinal study by Western University found that students who participated in multiple workshops during elementary school showed significantly higher interest, confidence, and understanding of STEM.

Girls reported increased confidence in science, which is vital to closing the gender gap in STEM fields. When Julia talks about her time in Scientists in School workshops, it goes beyond STEM learning—she built her confidence and critical thinking skills in those same sessions.

Teachers also praise the curriculum-aligned workshops for their lasting impact. As one Grade 1 teacher shared, “Scientists in School workshops are incredible! My students and I get so excited to engage with hands-on materials. The presenters encourage curiosity and connections, making them a highlight of our school year.”

YOU CAN IGNITE SCIENTIFIC CURIOSITY

Scientists in School envisions a Canada where every youth is actively engaged in STEM learning. By fostering curiosity and confidence, they are shaping the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

You can help make this vision a reality. Donate, book a workshop, or join their growing team of presenters at scientistsinschool.ca