Minister Goodyear Launches New Learning Resource at Perimeter Institute's BrainSTEM Festival

WATERLOO, ON, Sept. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - To help equip students with the skills they need for success in the 21^st century, Perimeter Institute released today its new "Career Moves" educational resource, made possible by support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for FedDev Ontario, officially launched the new resource, titled Career Moves: Skills for the Journey, prior to a public lecture at Perimeter, an independent research, training, and outreach centre in Ontario, Canada.

"We know that future prosperity for southern Ontario depends on an economy that is responsive to market needs and is able to promote and implement innovative practices. We want to ensure kids are choosing the STEM fields when they go on to post-secondary education, and eventually their careers," Minister Goodyear said to a full house at Perimeter Institute's Mike Lazaridis Theatre of Ideas. "I know Career Moves will help achieve this. I know it will be another great example of the Perimeter Institute's outstanding work in showing youth what can be achieved through science and innovation."

The Minister's announcement, as well as observations from Kitchener-Waterloo Member of Parliament Peter Braid, preceded the first of three public lectures as part of Perimeter's BrainSTEM: Your Future is Now Festival.   The weeklong celebration of science and innovation, running through October 6, shares the same goal as the Career Moves resource: to ignite students' passion for the cutting-edge subjects that can help them realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society as a whole.

Career Moves: Skills for the Journey is a classroom resource designed to connect 21^st century skills—creativity, critical thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and imagination—to the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Specifically tailored towards students in Ontario's Grade 10 careers course, Career Moves is part the result of extensive collaboration between Perimeter's Outreach Department, experienced guidance counsellors, and classroom teachers.

"Our goal is to give students the best tools possible to fuel curiosity, exploration, and innovation," said Greg Dick, Perimeter's Director of Educational Outreach. "Students who are passionate about STEM subjects will now be ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21^st century. Our resources are designed to inspire students to build a smarter, more prosperous future for the world."

Monday's special announcement of the new in-class resource from Perimeter Institute was one of the many events, lectures, exhibits, and facility tours designed to enthrall and inspire visitors at the BrainSTEM: Your Future is Now Festival. For more information, schedule and free tickets, visit the BrainSTEM Festival webpage.

Learn more about Career Moves and Perimeter's other educational outreach projects at Perimeter Institute's Outreach page.

About Perimeter Institute

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is an independent, non-profit, scientific research organization working to advance our understanding of physical laws and develop new ideas about the very essence of space, time, matter, and information. Located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Perimeter also provides a wide array of research training and educational outreach activities to nurture scientific talent and share the importance of discovery and innovation among students, teachers, and the general public. In partnership with the Governments of Ontario and Canada, Perimeter is a successful example of public-private collaboration in scientific research, training, and outreach. www.perimeterinstitute.ca

About the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. In Budget 2013, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continued commitment to workers, families and communities in southern Ontario with the renewal of FedDev Ontario. Economic Action Plan 2013 provides $920 million over five years for the Agency, starting on April 1, 2014. As part of the renewal, FedDev Ontario will be allocating $200 million over five years for a new Advanced Manufacturing Fund in Ontario. To learn more, please visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

SOURCE: Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Lisa Lambert
Manager, External Relations & Public Affairs
[email protected]
[phone] x5051