Report Card on Student Outreach
By Jeanne Keaschuk
APEGGA Student Outreach Co-ordinator.
When the 1996-97 school term ends in June, the report card for volunteers involved in APEGGA's Student Outreach Program will show high marks earned for their effort to meet the increasing requests from schools. In fact, new records will be set this year for classroom visits and participation in science-related activities.
A tremendous amount of talent, time and energy have been expended by
approximately 300 APEGGA volunteers around the province, but particularly
in Calgary and Edmonton. The fine efforts of these volunteers have done
much to further the popularity of APEGGA's Student Outreach Program and
their contributions are to be applauded. They have done a commendable job
in heightening awareness and understanding of science, and for being ambassadors
of the professions. Not to be forgotten are the many employers who support
members in their participation of this program.
The program, which offers a wide range of assistance to science and
math educators, and heightens awareness of science careers, continues to
draw increased use and interest from the teaching community. There are
a number of reasons for the demand, one of which can be attributed to the
quality of program which members provide. Another reason is the science
curricula taught. The new elementary science curriculum implemented this
year has at least 15 engineering or geoscience related topics; junior high
has 12; and at the high school level, most of the science taught is applicable
to engineering, geology and geophysics. The program is popular with teachers
because engineers and geoscientists can show the connection science has
to real life and careers.
There can be a downside to increased popularity which unfortunately
the Edmonton program experienced when requests exceeded the capabilities
of its 106-member volunteer pool. By March, the program was fully booked
through to June. From March to the end of May, more than 50 requests for
classroom presentations could not be accepted.
More volunteers are always needed for this program - for every area
of the province-for all kinds of activities, including development of materials,
judging, booth events, classroom presentations and much more.
If you would like to get involved in next year's program, contact Jeanne
Keaschuk at the Edmonton APEGGA office.
Phone: 426-3990
Toll free: 1-800-661-7020
E-Mail: jkeashchuk@apegga.org
