STEM programs encourage climate education © Courtesy of Let’s Talk Science
When a child is young, science is everywhere. Children are natural, curious learners and the way they explore and discover the world is inspiring. A child can pick up a rock in a field and play for hours. Fossils, bugs, dirt…it is all exciting and interesting. But, at some point in that child’s education, science becomes a chore, and they begin to disengage from it, dropping STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) courses in high school and closing doors and opportunities for their future.
That young child will encounter a number of critical barriers to their STEM engagement while they are growing up, including lack of perceived relevance, lack of awareness of post-secondary pathways and careers, lack of meaningful or relevant role models, teachers lacking resources and training, and parents who may have their own STEM phobias and misconceptions.
Let’s Talk Science understands the education system and is working to tackle these barriers through STEM-based programming because it builds on kids’ natural curiosity about the world. Our programming builds critical competencies that everyone needs while helping youth understand the important subjects that underpin today’s global challenges.
Our audacious goal is to be a partner in every school and positively impact every youth in Canada—all 6.5 million of them. However, we know that we can’t do this alone.
Through the generous donations of individuals, companies, foundations and government agencies, Let’s Talk Science can continue to provide its STEM-education programming, resources and events—in English and French—at no cost to youth, educators, parents/caregivers and community groups.
Together, we can help more children to retain the initial wonder that science offers them, supporting youth in Canada as they prepare for their work and citizenship demands in an increasingly complex world.
Donations to Let’s Talk Science ensure cost is never a barrier for children, youth, volunteers, educators, and parents/caregivers across the country. Through your support, we can reach more teachers, schools and community partners, deepen our engagement with children and youth, and see long-term, sustained impact in the education sphere.
“Whether building tech capacity, offering equitable, free programming, or facilitating workshops for our teachers/students, Let’s Talk Science has been a blessing to us,” said Matt, an educator in the Lambton-Kent District School Board. “[Let’s Talk Science provides] students opportunities to ask questions, challenge their thinking, and learn in new and exciting ways. Overall, Let’s Talk Science has always been an incredibly positive influence in our board’s program planning.”
Your donation helps Let’s Talk Science provide equitable access to meaningful STEM programming in person and online for children and youth across Canada. Your gift will help us inspire wonder in the next generation of Canada’s leaders.
Make a difference in a child’s life today. Donate now at letstalkscience.ca/donate.
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Let’s Talk Science is committed to preparing youth in Canada for future careers and citizenship demands in a rapidly changing world.
