Emily Kerton says she never thought Science North would expand from a few classroom visits to the entire Northwest region in the span of three years.
Kerton, a staff scientist, joined Science North when it first established a central base in the city three years ago. The program’s aim is to make science more engaging for children, but it was a program that was once only available to select classes.
But since taking lodgings at the Windsor Street Boys and Girls Club, the outreach program has expanded to include visits to remote First Nation communities, including Sandy Lake First Nation and Wunnumin Lake First Nation.
Kerton, who has visited the communities, said she’s always been given a warm welcome.
“With ambition and the acceptance of our programing in the region we’ve been able to visit more and more communities,” she said. “I’ve been able to get on charter flights to get out there and the people are so friendly and so accepting. Often I get the feedback that they need more science education. We know that there’s a need there and now we just need the resources to get there more often.”
Kerton admitted that it can be challenging trying to make children more interested in science but she said it’s fun to see them engaged and excited to learn more.
She also stressed the importance of making sure the students understand what they are being taught.
“If you can relate the science lesson to (weather, their pets) then it is easier for them to understand what’s going on,” she said.
“We need more people that are interested in science especially in Ontario and Canada. We need to advance into the world of technology and science that the rest of the globe is heading into. If we can get that spark early then hopefully those kids will be interest throughout high school and go into a post-secondary education in science.”
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But Science North isn’t just for children.
The program is also offered to adults who want to brush up on their science. Kerton said many people don’t understand science so like with younger students it’s important to communicate in a way that everyone understands.
Todd Miller, principal at Claude E. Garton Public School, knows firsthand the benefits of having Science North come to the classroom. He said he appreciates that the program now has a home base in the city.
“In past years, it was maybe once every four years that they stopped by when they happened to be in Thunder Bay,” he said.
“Since the opening of the facility three years ago, we’ve had them in our school every year since they opened. It gets kids excited about science and away from the textbook. It shows them that science is real and fun.”
