Government Partnership Launches Program to Bring Space Exploration Curriculum to Nova Scotia Schools

DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 4, 2011) - Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the Honourable Ramona Jennex, Minister of Education for Nova Scotia, and Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk visited Southdale North-Woodside School to sign a memorandum of understanding to bring space exploration-related learning products into Nova Scotia schools.

"An important part of our government's science and technology strategy is inspiring our young people—the leaders of tomorrow—to pursue careers in these fields," said Minister Clement. "Igniting an early interest in space could lead to a lifetime of shooting for the stars."

As part of today's event, Minister Clement, Minister Jennex and Dr. Thirsk took questions about space from the students prior to the signing of the official memorandum of understanding between the CSA and the Nova Scotia Department of Education.

As a result of this agreement, the CSA will collaborate with the Nova Scotia Department of Education to develop curriculum-specific space, science and technology learning products for use by teachers and students in the primary and secondary grades. The agreement will foster the use of these educational materials as Ministry-approved "teaching tools of choice" as part of the science curriculum in schools across the province.

Nova Scotia students will soon know more about space exploration, science, technology, and space program careers by accessing and using learning products and participating in events made available through this new partnership with the CSA.

Primary and secondary educators have benefited from CSA professional development learning sessions for a number of years. These opportunities will expand to include students in faculties of education across the province, so that the next generation of teachers are prepared to bring space into the classroom to inspire learning at all levels.