Two StFX outreach programs that work with local youth have received almost $235,000 in NSERC PromoScience funding. Both X-Oceans Outreach and Show Me Your Math: Connecting Math to Our Lives and Communities were successful recipients in a series of grant announcements made Aug. 29th.
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced support for over 4,700 researchers and research projects across Canada in a series of major investments in science and research on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health.
These investments of over $960 million through grants, scholarships and programs are part of the government’s ongoing support for Canada’s research ecosystem. This funding is administered through a variety of programs and will go toward acquiring the tools researchers need for their work, inspiring and training the next generation of scientists and researchers and supporting their work and breaking down barriers to ensure an inclusive research community reflective of Canada’s diversity. It will also help Canada attract and retain some of the world’s best minds and foster international and domestic partnerships.
Included in the announcement is $10.3 million in NSERC PromoScience grants awarded to 45 recipients. The PromoScience Program offers financial support for organizations working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science and engineering, including mathematics and technology.
X-Oceans Outreach
X-Oceans Outreach is a mobile program led by the StFX Biology Department that promotes ocean preservation and stewardship among youth. It received $60,000 in funding from NSERC PromoScience. The X-Oceans Outreach program is the only one of its kind in northeastern Nova Scotia. Its ocean-based STEM activities provide youth with opportunities to explore the importance of marine biodiversity and climate change consequences. “We are thankful for this funding contribution by NSERC PromoScience enabling us to expand our resources for the continuation, expansions and capacity development of the program to provide ocean literacy to rural schools in underserved communities in five counties,” says X-Oceans director and senior biology lab instructor Regina Cozzi. The program has earned many accolades. “X-Oceans gave our students the opportunity to experience something they wouldn't otherwise, and something that they can take away,” said one teacher. “I think X-Oceans is a wonderful program and is most definitely making an impact on the community,” said a student facilitator, while parents have added, “The X-Oceans program is so valuable to my child’s education.” The team involved in X-Oceans Outreach includes Regina Cozzi, Leah Rogers, Kathleen Glasgow, Maryann Burbidge, Katelyn MacNeil, Dr. Tammy Rodela, Dr. David Garbary, Dr. Russell Wyeth and Dr. Moira Galway.
Show Me Your Math: Connecting Math to Our Lives and Communities
Show Me Your Math: Connecting Math to Our Lives and Communities (CMTOLC) is a focused in-community mathematics outreach program reaching 200 Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian youth annually. It was awarded $174,900 over three years. The program is run in partnership with local Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities and includes bi-weekly visits during the academic year to engage youth in meaningful, relevant, hands-on investigations of mathematics led by St. Francis Xavier University students. In summer, day camps are held in communities. Community embedded and culturally relevant explorations support and encourage youth to participate in further studies in mathematics and science. Youth develop an increased confidence in their mathematical abilities and see that mathematics can be a powerful tool for helping the world. In addition to supporting youth in community, CMTOLC provides opportunities to engage in experiential learning and develop an appreciation for the role of Indigenous Community Knowledges and the influences such knowledges can have on the learning of mathematics and science. One former Bachelor of Education student facilitator shared “Working with CMTOLC has changed my pedagogy and my entire approach to teaching and being in a classroom. Firstly, just making connections with other people and communities is an invaluable resource as an educator. Seeing mathematics teaching in a completely different way totally impacted my perception of what ‘learning’ looks like, which has translated into my own practice as an educator.” StFX team members include Dr. Lisa Lunney Borden, Ellen Carter, Dr. Robert van den Hoogen, Dr. Tara Taylor and Dr. Marcia English.
