Standing at the board with her back to the class, the teacher neatly writes out the assigned reading from the textbook, “Introduction to Supernovae”. Opening your book, you wonder about the life of an astrophysicist. Would dozens of telescopes and maps of the universe cover every inch of your lab? Would you search for answers all day, digging through piles and piles of textbooks and research papers? How would you know what to look for when gazing into the sky?
Scientists and Innovators in the Schools (SIS), a program facilitated through Science World, brings scientists and innovators to elementary and high school classrooms across the province to inspire students with exciting presentations about life as a researcher.
The program addresses British Columbia's need for more scientists, engineers, technologists and technicians by promoting students' interest in these areas. Scientists and technical experts bring science to reality in classrooms and encourage students to consider a career in science.
TRIUMF has been an avid supporter of the SIS program for many years. Recently, TRIUMF’s Dr. Marcello Pavan visited two 9th grade classrooms at Massey High School in New Westminster, B.C., and engaged students on the topic of astronomy and particle physics, and whatever else came to their minds.
“My approach has been to ask the students days before what they want to know, and then come with answers prepared. When they learn answers to their big questions, they are very engaging, and by the end of the class they are asking all sorts of things. It’s fantastic to see them get excited about learning”.
—Melissa M. Baluk, Communications Assistant