Dr. Garry McKinnon
 |
|
One of the 16
descriptors of Exemplary Teaching in the Calgary Science School makes reference
to a research focus where classrooms are thriving places of active research and
teachers and students are learning together and from each other. Another
descriptor highlights a focus on inquiry where students and teachers explore
real-life questions to develop a better understanding of our world. These two
descriptors and several others in the exemplary learning and teaching
frameworks were very much in evidence on November 6 when some very special
guests came to the school for the launch of the $2.5 million Imperial Oil Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics initiative (IOSTEM) in partnership with
the University of Calgary. The members of the Calgary Science School community
were very pleased to host the official launch of this exciting initiative.
 |
| AM 660 Ian Campbell and Glory Przekop |
The guests
enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about exemplary learning, teaching and
leadership in the Calgary Science School and specifically to observe grade 4
students deeply engaged in a hands-on learning experience involving the study
of natural waste biodegradation of fruits and vegetables which was facilitated
by their teachers Ms. Amy Park and Ms. Deirdre Bailey. As the students recorded
observations and developed conjectures relating to their mushy, moldy specimens,
they eagerly shared their research findings with each other and with the
visitors to their science laboratory. The visitors became actively engaged in
the exploration as they interacted with the students and marveled at their
ability to develop a deep understanding through inquiry and research of complex
scientific concepts as they used their iPads to document and present their
research findings. Representatives of several Calgary media outlets were in
attendance to highlight the event through photographs and video clips and to
present the story through interviews of the students, their teachers and the
special guests.
The special guests included: Mr. Bruce March, Chairman, President
and CEO Imperial Oil Limited; Ms. Marilyn Kandt, VP, Imperial Oil Foundation;
Ms. Belinda de Wolde, External Relations and Integrated Communications Manager,
Imperial Oil Foundation ; Dr. Dennis Sumara, Dean, Faculty of Education,
University of Calgary; Dr. Sharon Friesen, Vice Dean, Faculty of Education;
Doug Jones Director of Development, Faculty of Education and Dr. Krista
Francis-Poscente Director of the Imperial Oil STEM initiative at the University
of Calgary. Ms. Susan Naylen Sorrell member of the University of Calgary Senate
who is also a parent of two Calgary Science School students attended as a
special guest. The event was coordinated by Ms. Betty Rice and Mr. Clayton
MacGillivray from the University of Calgary.
Mr. March in his comments made reference to the research
indicating that Canada is at risk of falling behind in the global economy
unless educators and governments convince more young people to pursue science
related careers. He noted that despite high achievement by Alberta youth on
international science and mathematics tests, enrollment in undergraduate
science and mathematics is declining. In describing the purpose of the Imperial
Oil Stem Initiative Mr. March observed, “Our
goal is to spark the imagination and interest of young people in STEM subjects
and by engaging a new generation of students in the pursuit of technical
careers, we are investing in Canada’s future. Dr. Sumara, in his comments
identified critical elements in the STEM initiative including starting early
with students, extensive practice and the opportunity to work with good
teachers. He described the university’s challenge of educating teachers and
giving them the knowledge skills and attributes that will help them to create
rich learning experiences for students.
During the informal discussion following the visit
to the grade 4 science classroom, Calgary Science School Superintendent Dr.
Garry McKinnon, Principal Mr. Darrell Lonsberry, Assistant Principals Mr. Phil
Butterfield and Mr. Scott Petronech and Professional Development and
Collaboration Coordinator Mr. Dan McWilliam had an opportunity to provide some
background information in regard to the role of the Calgary Science School as a
publicly-funded charter school to serve as a centre of research, innovation and
the development of exemplary practices. It was noted that the charter goals of:
promoting exemplary learning, teaching and leading through a disposition of
inquiry; enhancing learning and teaching through the appropriate use of
technology; engaging students in meaningful real-life learning activities;
providing environmental outdoor and global education learning opportunities;
fostering a culture of collaboration and caring relationships of mutual respect
and nurturing the involvement of students and teachers in exploring and
developing a deep understanding as active researchers were very consistent and
supportive of the goals and ideals of the Imperial Oil STEM initiative at the
University of Calgary. Dr. Sumara expressed appreciation for the close working
relationship which has been established between the Calgary Science School and
the University of Calgary and in particular the involvement of the school as a
partner school for a significant number of student teachers and the
participation of the school in a number of research initiatives and joint
ventures with the university. Ideas for partnering with Imperial Oil in keeping
with the school’s emphasis on external collaboration and enriching learning and
teaching through the involvement of outside experts were also discussed and
will be pursued further.
No comments:
Post a Comment