A Bridge to a Whole New World of Science

A Bridge to a Whole New World of Science
Proposal for City Of Vancouver Supplemental Grant
PROJECT PROPOSAL
1. Sponsor Contact Information
2. Executive Summary
3. About Science World
4. Programs & Accomplishments
5. Introduction to the Problem
5.1. BC’s huge challenge in meeting science & technology labour demands
6. Finding the Solution
7. The Project
8. Objectives
9. Timeline
10. Budget
11. Evaluation
12. Sustainability & Outcomes
12.1 Outcomes
1. Sponsor Contact Information
Name: Science World BC
Address: 1455 Quebec St. Vancouver, V6A 3Z7
Tel 604.443-7440
Fax 604.443-7430
E-mail: pfinn@scienceworld.ca
Contact Person: Pauline Finn, Vice President, Community Engagement

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2. Executive Summary
Title of the
Project
A Bridge to a Whole New World of Science:
Science World helping teenagers decide to boldly go where no teenager
may have considered before.
Summary of
Pilot Initiative
A Bridge to a New World of Science will be a comprehensive feasibility study to
find ways of using Science World BC to better serve Vancouver youth in their
early teenage years. The years mark the critical stage when major life
decisions are made and secondary school curricula are often too rigid, boring
or irrelevant to inspire those students. During this time, students may become
disconnected and choose not to pursue further studies in Science and
Technology.
Major
Objectives
To encourage more female student participation as females are still
underrepresented in Science and Technology.
To promote and raise the attractiveness of Science and Technology
through extra curricular activities, communications, and other programs
such as green environmental initiatives.
To expand our Super Science Club program to include inner-city high
schools to help at-risk Junior High aged students.
To develop new Science World programs (such as environmental
sustainable programs) that are specifically targeted to adolescents. These
programs will foster interest, self-confidence and self-esteem and
encourage adolescents to consider science, sustainability and technology
as chosen fields in both higher education and as a profession.
Brief
Argument
To support resources and activities directly related to the feasibility study
project that will help during the adolescent years, when children begin to
mature into adults but influences outside of the family begin to shape their
psychosis.

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3. About Science World
Science World's mission is to engage British Columbians in science and inspire future science
and technology leadership throughout our province. We aim to stimulate critical thinking and
create positive attitudes about science and technology for students, children and families. This
is achieved through our world-class galleries, exhibits and programs.
Science World annually provides 720,000 children and families with access to leading edge,
curriculum-linked galleries, films and hands-on educational programs, both through our
community outreach programs and at TELUS World of Science. These activities inspire the
development of inquisitive minds and positive curiosities toward science and technology that are
building a strong foundation for a thriving, knowledge-based BC economy.
4. Programs and Accomplishments
Since 1989, Science World has hosted over 7 million visitors. A 2006 Pulse Research province-
wide general population survey revealed the following:
• 94 per cent of respondents agree that it is important to have a facility like Science World
available for young people in BC.
• 82 per cent of BC residents have visited Science World at least once.
• 94 per cent of all respondents agree it is important to have a facility like Science World
available for BC’s youth.
• 80 per cent agree that Science World has made an important contribution to science and
technology education in the city by showcasing our knowledge-based economy and the way
we live in our world today.
Science World, along with the Great Northern Way Campus is conveniently located on the East
False Creek Flats in the heart of Vancouver's rapidly growing and city designated high
technology and cultural precinct. It is a comprehensive, interactive community resource that
develops and presents the world we live in through five permanent galleries and visiting feature
exhibitions, OMNIIMAX and conventional films, and educational outreach programs.
Science World shares the wonders of science around BC through outreach programming that
includes:
☺ Super Science Club - weekly after-school program that provides fun and stimulating
science activities for inner-city students in Grades 1–7. The activities help inspire at-risk
children to develop critical thinking skills that lead to life-long learning. The Super
Science Club was awarded Best Outreach Program at the Canadian Association of
Science Centres Annual Conference in 2006. The award was presented based on
outstanding achievement in the informal science learning community and demonstrating
the highest standard of science centre practice through innovative techniques and
outstanding creativity.

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☺ Community Science Celebrations – weeklong series of entertaining, engaging events
that bring Science World to communities around BC and showcase local community
science. Celebrations culminate in a free family day at the local community college or
First Nations Community Centre.
☺ Preschool Curiosity Club - preschoolers and their parents play with themes of water,
light, colour and movement to help them understand the world better.
☺ Engaging Science – a partnership between the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Science
World, and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. This professional
development program supports elementary school teachers in implementing the BC
science curriculum through hands-on training workshops and resources in all regions of
BC.
☺ Opening the Door – a career-networking event for Grade 10-12 students interested in
science careers. Students meet dynamic and engaging professional scientists and
technologists working in a variety of fields.
☺ Science World On the Road – From school gymnasiums and community centres to
shopping centres around BC, we present live, interactive demonstrations that combine
education, theatre and science fun for free or at a minimum charge.
☺ Scientists and Innovators in the Schools – professional scientists, engineers,
technologists and technicians visit schools throughout BC. They provide hands-on
science presentations in elementary classrooms and open doors to science, technology,
engineering and mathematics.
5. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROBLEM
Science & Technology (S&T) impacts every aspect of our diverse society and our economy. We
have seen massive change in the past few decades as a result of science and technology
advances and there is no question that the pace of change will continue to accelerate in the
future. From our ’traditional’ resource-based industries to high technology areas, science and
innovation continues to improve BC’s global competitiveness and productivity.
As global trade barriers continue to fall, S&T is becoming increasingly important to BC-based
firms. From home-grown intellectual property to improvements in productivity, technology plays
a key role in ensuring BC maintains its competitive edge on the world stage.
For example, BC's top-ten public companies (see following chart) are all heavily influenced by
S&T. Whether it is deploying next-generation 3-D seismic technology by mining giant Teck
Cominco or developing sustainable harvesting practices at Canfor, science and innovation is a
common thread that links big business throughout BC.

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British Columbia 2005 Top-Ten Public Companies
Company 2005 Revenue ($000)
Telus 8,143,000
Finning International 4,834,578
Teck Cominco 4,415,000
Canfor 3,787,800
West Fraser Timber 3,576,701
Placer Dome
(1)
2,396,609
Teekay Shipping 2,368,278
Intrawest 2,032,150
Methanex 2,009,032
Catalyst Paper 1,823,900
Source: BC Business Magazine
Note 1: Acquired by Barrick Gold
There are several specific areas of S&T that BC’s economy depends on. The Premier’s
Technology Council reports that BC has world-class recognition in the following technology
clusters:
Life Sciences/Biotechnology
IT/Telecommunications
Energy Technology
New Media
Wireless
For example, in the area of Energy Technology, BC is home to leading-edge fuel cell and power
electronic developers, including Ballard Power Systems and Xantrex Power. In addition, BC’s
Life Sciences industry cluster is the third largest in the country and includes leading
organizations such as QLT and Angiotech Pharmaceuticals.
The following chart illustrates the wide range of sectors that make up the total $165 billion dollar
BC economy. S&T influences every sector of the economy including natural resources, finance
and insurance, health care, utilities, and construction and manufacturing. Advances in S&T are
absolutely critical to our province’s GDP, employment rate and place in the global economy.

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2006 British Columbia GDP by Industry (%)
Natural Resources
6%
Utilities, Construction,
Manufacturing
19%
Wholesale and Retail Trade
12%
Transportation
7%
Information and Cultural
Industries
4%
Finance & Insurance, Real
Estate and Renting and
Leasing
23%
Professional, Admin.,
Educational and Waste
Services
11%
Health Care, Arts,
Entertainment
7%
Accommodations, Food and
Other Services
6%
Public Administration
5%
Source: BC Stats
Despite our successes, the city, the province and the country as a whole cannot rest on their
laurels. Canadian-based businesses face a continually widening gap in productivity relative to
our largest trading partner, the USA. We are also experiencing an increasing competitive threat
from countries such a China and India, which possess highly skilled, low-cost workforces that
are rapidly moving up the value chain.
5.1 BC’s huge challenge in meeting science & technology labour demands
British Columbia needs to address its shortage of skilled S&T workers now. We continue to fall
behind in productivity and innovation rankings (according to the Conference Board of Canada’s
Report Card on Canada June 2007) but the need for improved technical competencies has
never been more apparent. Faced with an aging population, these numbers are more than
worrying.
Organizations in BC are responding to this crisis with grave concern. The British Columbia
Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) says, “BC’s growing technology industry will offer
thousands of new jobs in the upcoming year, but will have a hard time filling them if serious skill
shortages are not addressed”. Their study (TechTalentBC: Labour Trends in the British

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Columbia Technology Sector) points out that the technology industry, which employed
approximately 65,000 workers in 2007, forecasts adding 15 per cent more employees in the
upcoming year and shows no indication of slowing down. At this anticipated rate of growth, the
industry headcount would double to more than 130,000 employees by 2010.
The BCTIA states that “storm clouds are gathering on the horizon as the serious lack of skilled
labour will hamper the industry's future growth. Access to the right kind of talent is important as
it enables the tech industry to progress beyond an industry of start-ups and into an industry of
mature head-office companies. Overall, it appears that the BC technology industry is at a critical
juncture. The technology labour pool is tightening, industry headcount is at a peak level, and the
companies in BC are very bullish about prospects and demand for talent over the next year."
There is no doubt that the science gap is already a reality and BC must address it imminently.
The future of our skilled S&T labour force is in jeopardy. We are failing to attract sufficient
numbers of young British Columbians into science-related post-secondary education and
subsequent S&T careers. The demand is increasing and yet we are poised for a massive talent
shortage that will threaten BC’s economic growth and prosperity. For example:
The BC Technology Industry Association forecasts an industry headcount requirement of
double what it is today with no apparent solution currently in place to meet this demand.
The BC Medical association indicated a shortfall of 270 physicians in 2006 and the demand
will continue to increase with our aging population.
Work Futures BC reports a large increase in demand for all types of engineers and
estimates that 27.5 per cent more engineering positions will be available in 2011 versus
2001.
It is vital that we address this problem now. We must inspire significantly younger high school
British Columbians to pursue training and careers in S&T. Experiences are vital in forming the
foundation for future choices in S&T education and training. Science World, a well respected
and well-known community science resource, is poised to be an important part of this solution.
6. Finding The Solution
Science World has been recognized by the City of Vancouver as a distinguished Centre for
Learning (1). Positively influencing children’s attitudes about science and technology takes time
and persistence. Even though our main focus has been Kindergarten through Grade 7, the
critical years for stimulating the development of curiosity, creativity and a quest for lifelong
learning, research by Vancouver School Board Bridge Programs has shown that there are
occasions where students have had a difficult time making the crucial transition from this stage
to the next. It is during the adolescent years when children begin to mature into adults but
influences outside of the family begin to shape their psychosis.
It should be noted that adolescence is the stage of a psychological breakthrough in a person's
life. During this time, cognitive development is rapid and thoughts, ideas and concepts that are
1 2006 Discussion Document “Lifelong Learning Strategy for the city of Vancouver prepared by the Vancouver Learning City
Working Group

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developed greatly influence future life and play a major role in character and personality
formation. Interest in Science and Technology is observed as declining most sharply around
age 15 (2), likely caused by being overwhelmed by the fear of the periodic table, as many of us
have experienced. This is also when gender differentiation starts to translate into choices, and
when key future orientations are set. It is here where Science World BC would like to focus our
attention.
Science World reaches young British Columbians at a critical stage when they are keen on
observing, exploring and interacting with science. It is imperative that they become inspired in
science during these formative years or the approved chances that they will go on to further
education in S&T fields are slim. Career and educational paths are chosen during the junior high
years so our goal is to get them interested in science before they reach senior high years. We
need to know why teenagers are interested in video games but do not make the connection to
S&T.
7. The Project
A Bridge to a Whole New World of Science will be a comprehensive feasibility study to find
ways of using Science World BC's educational expertise and unique exhibits and access to
scientists to better serve Vancouver's youth. To make relevant and appropriate connections with
this audience, outside of our traditional audience of families and elementary (Kindergarten to
Grade 7) school-aged children, we need to get to know them.
Our focus will be on the early teenage years during the critical stage when major life decisions
are made and secondary school curricula are often too rigid, boring or irrelevant to inspire those
students. During this time, students may become disconnected and choose not to pursue
further studies in Science and Technology. Science is more than just the Periodic Table, it’s
robots, video games, biotechnology (drugs), computers, telecommunications and the internet.
Developing the Internet and sophisticated telecommunications, understanding climate change
and cracking the human genetic code, are all key examples of how important S&T is to
Vancouver, the Province and our global community. This level of innovation obviously requires a
technologically literate workforce, trained both to work with sophisticated equipment and to
develop new technologies.
The project study will take place over 12 months and will research, evaluate, and test
programming models targeted at High School students. Methods will include:
Research and consultation with Science Centres around the world and other community-
based organizations who have successful experience with engaging high school students.
A Vancouver district-wide campaign using Science World’s website to hear directly from the
students about their interests and needs using an online survey and interviews.
2 May 24, 2006 OECD Report “ Evolution of Student Interest in Science and Technology Studies Policy Report

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Creation of a Youth Advisory Committee that will intially be made up of a one high school
counsellor or teacher and senior high aged students from at least three Vancouver schools
from diverse socio-economic areas of the city.
The Committee will reflect the diverse community we serve by encouraging participation in
exhibitions and programs and by continuing to offer an exciting array of workshops, special
events and outreach activities.
8. Objectives
The project will accommodate and encourage people of diversity to get involved. The project
should be visible in the community and many people should know about it. It should also be
particular to a community and a context.
Key objectives for the project include:
• To encourage more female student participation as females are still underrepresented in
Science and Technology.
• To promote and raise the attractiveness of Science and Technology through extra curricular
activities, communications, and other programs such as green environmental initiatives.
• To expand our Super Science Club program to include inner-city high schools to help at-risk
Junior High aged students.
• To develop new Science World programs (such as environmental sustainable programs)
that are specifically targeted to adolescents. These programs will foster interest, self-
confidence and self-esteem and encourage adolescents to consider science, sustainability
and technology as chosen fields in both higher education and as a profession.
9. Timeline
The project will occur throughout the 2009/2010 school year (August 2009 to July 2010).
Time period Primary Activity
August - September Research youth programs and best practices in youth market
research
September -
November
Recruit Youth Advisory Committee and initial survey
development
December - February Phase one of hearing from Vancouver's Youth campaign
March - June Pilot test program activity and phase two of hearing from
Vancouver's Youth campaign and consultation with district
consultants, academics and international science centre
contacts.
June - July Final report and compilation of learning, including
recommendations for Science World high school program
development and case study document for community sharing.

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10. Budget
The budget forecast for first year (2009-2010) of project is attached separately.
11. Evaluation
At project start-up, the project co-ordinator will research and develop evaluation tools and
standards and assemble the youth advisory committee. During the project, the project co-
ordinator will determine the kind and amount of data to evaluate, how to evaluate it, and a
process that ensures validity. Throughout the project, the advisory committee will work with
Science World to assist with issues of bias, etc.
As part of the participatory process, evaluation will occur alongside implementation and as
interim findings are determined and shared with the advisory committee. In response to interim
findings, the project team will make adjustments to project activities. By incorporating research,
science centre advice, student online participatory evaluation and overall project evaluation by
the youth committee, each of the project components will be able to learn from their own ‘best
practises’.
To ensure that important results of the project are disseminated to interested communities and
people, we will compile a case study guide outlining the project’s objectives, activities,
participants, and results. It will include a collection of the experiences and lessons learned by
community people in their involvement with the project tools. We will print a limited number of
copies to be distributed locally and elsewhere. We will also prepare a web-based version for the
Internet.
12. Sustainability & Outcomes
As outlined in Science World’s Strategic Plan, 2005 – 2009, one guiding objective for our
Community Outreach initiatives is increased community impact by building the quality and
quantity of science experiences throughout British Columbia. Sustainability and growth of
programs such as Super Science Club will put Science World in a better position to achieve the
organization’s overall strategic objective of 80 per cent of students in the BC Public and
Independent school systems having at least 6 face-to-face Science World experiences before
entering Grade 10 in 2009.
This fiscal year, we hope to leverage additional funding from government and private donors for
these new high school educational programs. We believe this is a highly marketable program to
potential donors and sponsors including corporations, foundations and individuals aligned with
community action and leadership. With solid research and intimate knowledge of the high
school student audience, Science World will be in a strong position to develop a clear direction
for programming and resource development to support youth. With this expertise, we will fill a
niche of community learning expertise for working with this audience and actively approach a
variety of foundations and corporations. Already, there have been some inquiries and interest in
our new high school educational programs such as A Bridge to a New World of Science to
achieve financial sustainability for Science World Outreach programs.

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The current financial position of Science World, on an operating basis, is healthy. The positive
results in 2006-07, in large part due to the success of BodyWorlds 3, have allowed the Board to
approve long-overdue expenditures to enhance the visitor experience and the work
environment, while at the same time ensuring an adequate working reserve to provide for future
situations.
Science World is striving to learn from its successes in 2006/07 and become even more
effective in its service to the community in the years ahead. We wish to continue to be an
integral part of the community in Vancouver, enhancing the quality of experiences on a day-to-
day basis and making a contribution to Vancouver’s community health for many years to come.
Continued marketing, future public and private grants, the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics, and
popular future exhibits similar to BodyWorlds, such as the upcoming Disney: the Music Behind
the Magic will help sustain Science World for years to come.
12.1 Outcomes
We expect the project’s overall outcomes to include the following:
• We expect the student community to interact with each other.
• We expect invitees to our study to increasingly contribute new resources.
• We can expect exchanges of community services and goods to be better facilitated and to
fulfill more needs. As this occurs, we can expect the participating community members to
find new ways to help each other.
• We can expect students’ identities to be strengthened and their sense of participation to be
more sustained as they explore each other’s strengths and uniqueness’.
• We can expect committee research to be more evident and systematic and that this will lead
to greater positive action.
• We can expect this student network to be sustainable and can expect, ultimately, that an
infrastructure for community knowledge and decision-making is established.

Budget
Materials & Supplies
Program Development Supplies/Consumables 4,200$
Promotional Materials 1,000
Program Equipment/Materials 3,800
Sub-Total 9,000$
Marketing and Promotion
Promotion Production (e-vite, posters etc.) 1,000$
Student Prizes and Incentives 3,000
Teacher Prizes and Incentives 1,000
Sub-Total 5,000$
Administrative
Project Management and Administration 1,000$
R & D Survey, Reporting and Recommendations 20,000
Advisory Group Recruitment & Coordination 2,000
Sub-Total 23,000$
External
High School Brand Graphics Development 2,000$
Teacher tester/reviewer honorarium 3,000
Sub-Total 5,000
Total Budget Expense Costs 42,000$
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