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| Beth Burwash, P.Geol., brings some
of the wonder of her profession to a Grade 3 science class. |
BY JEANNE KEASCHUK
Senior Outreach Coordinator
"Beth's presentation
was just phenomenal! Her material fit perfectly with the curriculum
(Grade 7 Planet Earth). We just finished the unit and her
presentation was a good review. The samples she brought were
great, and she introduced a career twist to the material when
she talked about the work of geologists and showed some tools
and pictures. This was very interesting for students. We really
could have used more time. All in all, everything was just
great and the students loved it! Thanks and I'll be in touch
again next year."
N. Riemann, Hillcrest School
These comments sum up exactly why APEGGA Outreach volunteers
make science curriculum related presentations, why the presentations
are popular, and why teachers welcome Outreach presenters.
Making science presentations to students in Grade 1 to 12
is a great way to increase visibility of the professions,
enhance understanding of the work of the professions, and
promote science, technology and careers in engineering, geology
and geophysics.
A wide variety of Outreach activities involve student audiences
and help to achieve these goals. Events like school career
days, however, occur once a year and sometimes only once every
two years.
Students have math and science classes every day. Science
curriculum related presentations provide immense opportunities
for Outreach volunteers to talk to students not just once
but repeatedly throughout their school years. There are important
reasons to make these presentations and there are big benefits
to students, teachers, the professions and APEGGA.
Common Ground
Science and math curricula are natural fits for Outreach.
A quick glance at the science curricula for Grades 1 to 12
reveals numerous matches to engineering and geoscience in
every grade.
Students are more curious about science when they understand
how it applies to them and their interests. Outreach volunteers
show and tell students how the science theory students study
is applied to things in every day life. Engineers can explain
why they need to know about kinetic energy, structures, forces
and gravity when they build roller coasters. Hydrogeologists
can explain the science they use to develop safe disposal
of hazardous waste. Geophysicists can explain how science
enables them to study and predict earthquakes.
Today students learn science through exploration, discovery,
problem solving, building, testing, interpretation, observation,
communication and teamwork. Engineers and geoscientists use
these same skills and tools. Students like fun and cool things.
Engineers and geoscientists build and develop cool and fun
things. Students like hands-on science and so do Outreach
volunteers.
Through their classroom experiences and understanding of
curricula, members are better informed and equipped to represent
APEGGA and assist Alberta Learning in its evaluation of math
and science curricula changes.
Teachers Endorse Program
"The program APEGGA offers the teachers is great! The
students benefit so much from the hands-on experiences and
the expertise shared by your members." M. Close, Right
Honorable Joe Clark School
"I truly appreciate all the hard work that APEGGA and
its members do for the school program. Its quality is above
reproach and it adds a great deal to my program and to the
lives of my students. Thank you for all your time and extraordinary
effort."
K.F. Mah, John XXIII Elementary and Junior High School
The presentations volunteers make are valued and of high
quality. APEGGA knows this because feedback is gathered from
teachers after every classroom presentation. A common comment
from teachers is that members help them to better understand
and teach science, and that they also learn more about the
work of engineers and geoscientists. Repeat users of the program
and word-of-mouth referrals keep the program in demand.
Valued and Important Alliances
Outreach has helped APEGGA develop important bonds and ties
with education and educators. The Alberta Teachers' Association,
the ATA Science Council, the Mathematics Council of the ATA,
and Alberta Learning provide support and recognize APEGGA's
efforts to help promote science, math, technology and science
careers.
APEGGA is grateful to the many Alberta teachers, particularly
science and math, who invite engineers and geoscientists into
their classrooms. Their feedback on volunteer presentations,
shared expertise, and support in all APEGGA education activities
have been vital to the growth and quality of the Outreach
program.
CONTACTS
Edmonton and Branches
jkeaschuk@apegga.org
(780) 426-3990
Toll Free: 1-800-661-7020
Calgary
emuir@apegga.org
(403) 262-7714
MORE INFO
OR TO VOLUNTEER
Visit www.apegga.org
Scroll down Fast Find to
Education & Career, Outreach
CONTACTS
Edmonton and Branches
jkeaschuk@apegga.org
(780) 426-3990
Toll Free: 1-800-661-7020
Calgary
emuir@apegga.org
(403) 262-7714
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