Newfoundland and Labrador is playing host to this year�s Atlantic Canada Association of Science Educators (ACASE) annual conference, aptly named Charting New Waters for Science Education. From July 13-14, more than 100 science educators, school board consultants, graduate students, and representatives from science outreach organizations from across Atlantic Canada will be in St. John�s to discuss issues affecting K-12 and post-secondary science education.

"Today, science and technology is an integral part of everything we do," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "In today�s science classroom, students learn about the fundamental principles of science with a focus on applying this knowledge to the world around them. They look to teachers to guide them as they explore our world. Professional development opportunities such as this conference ensure the instructors bring the most recent research back to the classroom, improving the teaching and learning process for all."

Minister Burke said tremendous investments have been made to improve teaching and learning in the laboratory environment. Almost $4 million will be spent over two years to ensure teachers and students have access to modern, relevant laboratory equipment. This includes a $1.65 million commitment in Budget 2007. This funding will be used to improve safety standards, provide professional development, and develop a school safety science manual. "The Williams Government is being proactive in providing safe, optimum learning environments for students and teachers. This funding will also help support new science courses the Department of Education has recently introduced, which is good news for students and teachers alike," said the minister.

As this year�s host of the ACACE conference, the Department of Education partnered with Memorial University and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers� Association to ensure participants enjoy an interesting, well-rounded conference, with ample opportunity to meet other educators from across the region to share ideas and approaches to science teaching. Participants will discuss matters related to science education, perceptions of science, and the implications of some science-based technologies.

"New courses encourage students to learn through hands-on experiences that build valuable scientific skills. These are skills that last a lifetime and skills that will contribute to this province�s research and development opportunities," said Minister Burke. "I wish conference delegates all the best. Clearly, with our recent investments made to support science education, it is an optimum time for our province to hold this conference, allowing the delegates to learn about the great things happening in our science curriculum."

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Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2007 07 13                                                           10:00 a.m.