Learn about Science World's School Support Project including a summary of our learning from our recent survey of BC educators.

1. SUPPORTING SCIENCE
EDUCATION IN B.C.
BC Science Outreach Workshop
March 2, 2015

2. 21st Century Learning?
What does 21st Century Learning
mean to you?
a) Ponder and record key words.
b) Dialogue about your words with your
table group.
“What is happening with curriculum and
21C science education in BC?”

3. 21st Century Learning?
Transformation towards a learner-centred
education is a global phenomenon. We want
an education system that:
• develops student competence in thinking,
communication, and personal and social
responsibility
• is engaging, and responsive to student’s interests
and passions
• increases focus on student-directed inquiry

4. Science World’s Supporting Schools Project
 The curriculum in BC’s K-12 education system is
changing.
 The BC Ministry of Education is reviewing and
redesigning all provincial curricula simultaneously
under a common 21st Century Learning framework.
 Science World and your organizations can play a
critical role in supporting schools, the Ministry of
Education and other education partners in BC.

5. Supporting Schools Project
Goals and Objectives
Overall Goal:
 Facilitate a lead role for Science World in enhancing engagement and collaboration to support
teaching, learning and leadership in science education for BC schools in the 21st Century.
Objectives:
 Engage and collaborate with Science World staff, BC teachers and community partners
 Develop a greater understanding of 21st Century learning and other aspects of curriculum
transformation in BC internally and with our community partners
 Audit and prioritize Science World assets and educational offerings in the context of curriculum
transformation
 Assess the needs of teachers in BC schools
 Recommend strategies to refresh, realign and re-articulate Science World offerings
 Grow Science World’s capacity for collaboration, community partnerships and leadership

6. Key Project Participants
We will include the following key audiences in the engagement and
collaborative process:
 Science World staff and administration
 Classroom teachers (primary, intermediate and secondary) in a variety of
school districts
 Key education partners: non-profit organizations, local community groups,
specialist organizations (including BCTF PSAs)
 Curriculum and other education specialists
 Post-secondary educators (esp. Faculties of Education)
 BC Ministry of Education staff
 BC Science Charter Network

7. Core Project Activities and Events
Oct - Feb Working Group Meetings
Nov Science World Staff Pro-D Focus Group
Nov - Dec Science World Education Assets Audit
Nov - Jan School Support Survey
Jan - Feb Elementary and Secondary Focus Groups
Feb Research and Strategy Development
March Report and Recommendations

8. Education Assets Audit
• Reviewed all Science World educational offerings
• Used 21C Learning filters to audit the offerings,
including:
 Inquiry
 Core Competencies
 Place-Based Learning
• Identified strengths, gaps and opportunities re. new
curriculum and 21C Learning

9. School Support Survey
• Conducted in Nov-Dec 2014
• Over 325 educators participated from diverse
education sectors
• All regions of BC were represented
• Survey Foci:
1. Current Practices in Science Education
2. Resources for Teaching Science
3. Perceptions on BC Curriculum Change
4. Professional Development
5. Community Partnerships

10. Significant Survey Findings
Greatest needs/opportunities identified to support
Science Education in BC:
• Learning Resources, Materials for Science
• Mentorship and Leadership Programs
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Enhanced Digital Communications
• Local and Regional Partnerships

11. Teacher Focus Groups
• Convened Elementary and Secondary
Teacher Leadership (Focus Group)
Meetings to:
1. Explore and learn about curriculum
transformation in BC, 21st Century learning
and Science World’s growing role in supporting
schools
2. Extend and enrich the School Support Survey
findings
3. Provide additional perspectives and direction
re. Science World and our partner’s support of
schools and science education

12. Building on our Strengths:
Success Stories in 21C Science Education
1. Take a moment and write down some thoughts on
the Post-It provided.
2. Mingle and share your success story.
3. Considering your success stories, dialogue about:
a. Common Threads?
b. Needs, Gaps and Opportunities?
“What are your organization’s successes in
supporting 21C Science education in BC
schools?

13. Supporting 21C Science Education in BC:
Strategy Dialogue
1. Find a table with a focus of interest to you.
2. Discuss gaps, needs, and strategic opportunities
for that focus in your community and region.
“How might SW and partners work more effectively together
to support 21C science education?”

14. Next steps to better support Science Education
together in BC?

15. Thank You!
Kate Henderson
Science World, Manager School Engagement
khenderson@scienceworld.ca
Patrick Robertson
Robertson & Associates, Principal
pabrobo@shaw.ca