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 with 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, Scientists in School workshops didn’t feel like a regular school day – they felt extraordinary. Guiding her younger schoolmates through hands-on experiments about wind turbines and UV rays, she felt extraordinary too.
We have spent 35 years inspiring curiosity, confidence, and a love of discovery in children like Julia.
Julia’s story goes on to university acceptances, engineering camp leadership, and more – and Julia is just one of 11 million children in 500,000 grade K through 8 classrooms across Canada we have reached.
Through curriculum-aligned workshops we immerse children in STEM experiences, igniting their imaginations and encouraging bright futures. During the 2023-2024 school year alone, 330,000 young learners participated in classroom and community workshops across 555 communities from coast to coast to coast.
Transforming Classrooms into Laboratories of Discovery
Scientists in School’s success is rooted in an immersive approach to STEM education. In each workshop children become scientists making discoveries and building their investigative skills.
Julia and her classmates learned from STEM experts about how to be scientists, right there in the classroom. We are honoured to partner with teachers to deliver hands-on learning while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
Bridging Gaps and Building Futures
STEM skills are critical to Canada’s future, with 50-75% of tomorrow’s jobs expected to be STEM-related. Yet, fewer than half of Canadian high school graduates complete advanced science and math courses. We are tackling this challenge by inspiring interest in STEM from an early age.
Julia is just one example of the kind of student the organization reaches. 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.
We strive to reach every young learner in Canada. We bring scientist presenters, hands-on supplies, and curriculum-aligned lessons to every workshop. Last year, nearly half of the workshops took place in marginalized and under-resourced communities, reaching classrooms with limited budgets for specialized science equipment.
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 in particular reported increased confidence in science, helping to close 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 our 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.”
Scientists in School envisions a Canada where every child is actively engaged in STEM learning. By fostering curiosity and confidence, we 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.
