Science School @Telus World of Science

Peek over the edge of our magic carpet as we follow Groat Road north from the University across the North Saskatchewan River leaning into each bend through the banks of Groat Ravine and make a sweeping turn at the Westmount Shopping Centre so we can come in low over the Queen Elizabeth II Planetarium to check out its restoration progress.  A little farther to the south and west, we see more renovating construction at the TELUS World of Science, Douglas Cardinal’s striking and innovative building created as Edmonton’s flagship project commemorating the Province of Alberta's 75th Anniversary. Now take a moment to consider the time space continuum, appreciating this convergence operated by the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation, a non-profit organization, on a mission to: Ignite curiosity. Inspire discovery. Celebrate science. Change lives. Personally, the opportunity to contemplate a rock from the moon and reflect on how it made its way to earth and our science centre is transformational. We are at the home of Science School.

Andrea Brickman, School Programs Specialist, came to the Telus World of Science (TWOSE) as a teaching contractor. Science School and Inquiring Minds entered her job description the first time in 2016. The next years of her journey with Inquiring Minds are not unlike the red Tardis phone box of Dr. Who, moved by mat leave jumps, personnel changes and moments not just in her life but that of others. During these COVID-19 times, TWOSE has ramped up its virtual connection to the public and I found Andrea at her home office.

She wishes many teachers could get beyond their “science disgust” when considering her site. She exhorts teachers, “If you are not comfortable with science, it is not a reason to not apply (to Science School). Think of writing in science as a big idea, not a list of curriculum considerations. Plus, there are things to do here you would not do at in the classroom because, in the case of robotics, for example, we have the resources.”

Andrea finds joy in showing off staff for many different reasons. People working in the building at the Telus World of Science love Science School. Interviews with staff prove to be some of the most treasured moments of the week. Andrea mentions the diversity of jobs required to make the Telus World of Science function; accountants, board members and yes, scientists. She illustrates with the example of a passionate exhibit designer who gets kids excited about design thinking. During his presentation, he touches on the importance of failure in creative problem solving.  

The Inquiring Minds website describes Science School this way:

Science School is designed to inspire students to explore STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through collaborative design projects, guided explorations of the natural environment, experimentation with engineering and technology, and learning through play. This journey will help students develop a passion for science and discover the areas that excite them.

Look at the Science School webpage. https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/educators/science-school/

Do you want to know more? Contact Andrea at ABrickwood@twose.ca

You can start your application process at the Inquiring Minds website. https://ourinquiringminds.wordpress.com/application/