Pop bottle rockets, airless vacuums and plenty of antics might be de rigueur for visitors exploring the nooks of Vancouver’s Science World.
But not everyone is fortunate enough to make the trip to the big city, so the organization’s 'On The Road' program engages schools in more distant communities to present science demos.
“I think it’s a good thing that they get the spirit and knowledge from Science World,” said science facilitator Ross Langill at Silver Creek elementary Thursday afternoon, after a presentation to youngsters in the gymnasium. “Not everybody can afford to come to us.”
According to Science World, the program—currently on its rounds through Fraser Valley East—is meant to “pique science curiosity, boost science literacy, and inspire future science and technology leaders across B.C.”
In addition to Silver Creek elementary, the 'On the Road' team visited Agassiz Christian, Seabird Island community school, Boston Bar elementary, Coquihalla Elementary, Mission and Harrison Hot Springs.
“This year, in order to get back out on the road, Science World chose to redirect funds internally so that we could return to communities around British Columbia,” according to a press release. “If only in a modest way, to pique science curiosity, boost science literacy, and to inspire future science and technology leaders.”
The 'On The Road' program ran for seven years from 2005 to 2012 with support from the government and donors.
During that time the program reached more than 1.3 million British Columbians, including more than one million students in schools from kindergarten to Grade 12.
The team made more than 1,000 visits to communities large and small across B.C., including Dease Lake, Toad River, Uclulet and Haida Gwaii.