Movement Mondays

November 16th - Dr. Erin Fraser and Sabina Visan

Science outreach in action: Building skills beyond the lab and fields

Summary: Science outreach – the communication of scientific knowledge to broader communities, often children – is mutually beneficial. Researchers raise awareness of their work, while audiences gain new knowledge that may inspire changes in behaviour or future career paths. Equally important, those delivering outreach develop valuable transferable skills, including science communication, organization, teamwork, and adaptability. Research suggests that university students who participate in outreach activities may also strengthen their metacognitive abilities, develop their identities as scientists, and enhance academic and career development.

During this seminar, we will introduce existing opportunities for science outreach volunteering at Western through the local Let’s Talk Science site, as well as plans to facilitate future outreach that is directly linked to local graduate student research.

About Let’s Talk Science: Let’s Talk Science is a national charitable organization committed to preparing youth for evolving career and citizenship demands in a rapidly changing world. Our goal is to positively impact every child in Canada, from early years through secondary school. We do this primarily by providing programs and resources for educators that help them improve youth education and engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Our robust suite of programming is available in English and French at no cost to schools, early years centres, community organizations and parents/caregivers. We also support a diverse network of volunteers, the majority of which are postsecondary students who build career-readiness skills themselves by delivering and participating in Let’s Talk Science programming.