The Canada Science and Technology Museum and Scouts Canada team up to spread STEM knowledge

OTTAWA, Oct. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Scouts Canada and the Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) are proud to announce the launch of a new educational tool for young Canadians eager to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), in advance of Science and Technology Week which kicks off Oct. 17, 2014.

As a result of the partnership between Scouts Canada and the CSTM, young Canadians will have one more exciting, hands-on opportunity to fulfill their curiosity about STEM subjects.

Drawing on its vast experience and expertise in developing educational activity kits – commonly known as "Edukits" – the CSTM, in collaboration with Scouts Canada, designed a STEM-kit especially tailored to Scouts Canada's Cub Scouts program for youth aged 8 - 10.

Scouts Canada's members throughout the country will benefit from the opportunity to take part in a handful of fun, informative and educational activities. Focusing on space exploration, a half-dozen interactive learning activities will see users of the STEM kit explore such topics as the pros and cons of manned and unmanned space exploration, the basics of rocket science, astronaut training and life on the International Space Station, to name a few.  Many partners have contributed their expertise in developing Edukits, which have been enjoyed by thousands of students in classrooms in every region of Canada.

"The Museum is excited to partner with Scouts Canada in this project that will reach and engage new audiences across the country," said CSTM Director of Education Development Sandra Corbeil. "Creating opportunity for youth to explore and discover science and technology is core to what drives us here at the Museum."

STEM is a hot button topic these days; a 2012 report from the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE) found Canada is falling behind in STEM disciplines, with only 37 per cent of pending high school graduates expressing an interest in taking even one post-secondary science course. The study also showed Canada lagging behind other countries, including China, for example, where one in three university graduates are from an engineering discipline; in Canada, the rate is one in 10. Another 2012 study by Let's Talk Science and Amgen Canada Inc. identified that interest in science falls by age. Nearly one third (27%) of students by the ages of 16-18 say they're not interested in science. The new programming will nurture future Canadian scientists, engineers and mathematicians, to help meet the growing demand from companies and academic institutions.

"Knowledge and practical skills in STEM fields are becoming one of the most important factors of success for today's youth entering the workforce," said Doug Reid, National Commissioner for Scouts Canada. "The partnership with Canada Science and Technology Museum furthers our commitment to cultivating curiosity and skills in STEM subjects and helping boys, girls and youth become better prepared for challenges in life. The informal educational activities in the STEM kits will provide Scouts with an engaging, hands-on and fun way to learn and develop their interests in STEM."

About Scouts Canada's STEM Pilot Program
Scouts Canada's STEM programming focuses on learning by doing and demonstrating how fun science can be. Youth ages 5 to 26 are able to participate in exciting, hands-on programming involving chemistry, environmental science, engineering, robotics and other activities that introduces them to a variety of scientific and engineering concepts.  A diverse pool of STEM projects allow youth members to explore, design, and build, perform fun experiments and make interesting discoveries. For more information about Scouts Canada's STEM program, visit scouts.ca/stem.

About Scouts Canada
Kids in Scouts have fun adventures, discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere. Along the way, they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For tens of thousands of children and youth across Canada, Scouts is the start of something great. Scouts Canada is the country's leading co-ed youth organization, with 100,000 members nationwide. Scouts Canada offers programming for children and youth aged 5-26 in multiple languages, reflecting Canada's multicultural landscape and communities. For more information, visit Scouts.ca.

Scouts Canada is a not-for-profit organization (Charitable Registration No. 10776 1694 RR0028) and a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

About the Canada Science and Technology Museum
The largest of its kind in Canada, the Canada Science and Technology Museum fulfills its mission through its collection, permanent, temporary and traveling exhibits, special events, school programs, workshops and demonstrations, publications, loans, conferences and lectures, expert advice, and joint action with other museums and organizations with similar goals and interests.

Image with caption: "Scouts Canada is growing the next generation of Canadian Scientists (CNW Group/Scouts Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141014_C3023_PHOTO_EN_6647.jpg

SOURCE: Scouts Canada

For further information: Scouts Canada media contact: Andrea McLoughlin, Holmes PR, [email protected], 416-628-5609; Olivier Bouffard, Media relations, CSTM, 613-949-5732

Related Links

http://scouts.ca