Government of Canada to Promote Science and Math for Students in London

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 2, 2011) - More children in southern Ontario will be exposed to the work that scientists, researchers and engineers do every day, thanks to an investment in the London Regional Children's Museum announced by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Minister Goodyear was accompanied by Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West.

"Our government recognizes that to keep southern Ontario's economy strong, we need more graduates in the scientific fields," said Minister Goodyear. "Not only will our investment help the London Regional Children's Museum interest more young people in science, technology, engineering and math, it will also draw more visitors to the area and have a positive impact on the regional economy."

The investment is being provided through FedDev Ontario's Youth STEM Initiative, aimed at encouraging students in kindergarten through grade 12 to pursue an education or career in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The London Regional Children's Museum will receive up to $196,575 for its "Science in My World" project aimed at strengthening the museum's STEM-related programming. Project activities include hands-on exhibits, interactive programs, school education programs, an expert-in-residence program, special events and guests that will get children excited about STEM.

"I am very pleased to be celebrating an investment in the education and skills of our local youth," said MP Holder. "By developing our next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, we can help drive innovation and keep the economy growing in our London region for years to come."

"The Children's Museum is extremely pleased to begin work on our "Science in My World" project. Science education has been a part of our mandate since the museum was founded 35 years ago. Today, in an ever-changing technology-driven society, it is even more important," said Joy Birch, Children's Museum Executive Director. "Kids naturally learn best through hands-on experiences and this additional funding will allow us to create opportunities for all children to explore and get excited about science, math and engineering concepts."

For more information, please refer to the backgrounder.

FedDev Ontario was created as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to support businesses and communities in southern Ontario. Now in its third year of operation, the Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to support businesses and other organizations through partnerships and investments in skills and training; innovation; research and development; and increased productivity. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

Backgrounder

Contribution to London Regional Children's Museum

FedDev Ontario is providing the London Regional Children's Museum with a contribution of $196,575 for its "Science in My World" project. The museum will collaborate with regional post-secondary institutions as well as local science, technology and engineering firms to provide hands-on STEM-based programs aimed at making children interested in and exposed to careers in the scientific fields.

The project includes:

• Themed programming weeks: National Engineering Week, National Science and Technology Week, Earth Week.
• Scientist/Expert in Residence Program, with a dedicated laboratory space that will showcase a different area of research each month and give youth an opportunity to meet with researchers.
• Daily demonstrations, focusing on examples of science in the everyday world, with topics such as: water testing, chemical reactions, gravity, electricity, calloids, star systems and more.
• New school education programs, which deliver hand-ons learning experience for students in the museum's lab space, while supporting key school curriculum.
• STEM workshops, special guests, events and outreach.
• Equipment upgrades, including a mobile demonstration station for outreach.
• Improvements to the Arctic-themed gallery, including a video/internet link to allow children to interact with researchers and students in the Arctic and other remote areas of field study, sharing ideas about science, climate change and environmental stewardship.

Youth STEM

FedDev Ontario's Youth STEM provides funding to eligible not-for-profit organizations to expand, enhance and coordinate the reach and impact of educational outreach programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for children and youth in kindergarten through grade 12. The initiative is designed to encourage young people to pursue further studies and careers in these fields, creating a future talent pool that is well-positioned to fuel business innovation and growth in southern Ontario.

Applications for funding are being accepted and assessed on an ongoing basis. For more information, please refer to the program guidelines available on the web site at www.feddevontario.gc.ca.