The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education:

Youth Science Month Recognized

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as Youth Science Month in schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Each year, students around the province compete at school and regional fairs during the month of March. It is an excellent opportunity for these students to showcase their knowledge and to continue to develop their science skills.

As in the past, several students will also attend the Canada Wide Science Fair, which is taking place in Charlottetown, P.E.I. in May. If past years are any indication, these young scientists will do us proud.

Mr. Speaker, in today’s classrooms, students actively learn about the fundamental principles of science, and how to apply this knowledge to the world around them. Recognizing this, in recent years, our government has invested $5.6 million in K-12 laboratory upgrades and science equipment. We have also renewed curriculum so that the entire K-12 science program is now aligned with the pan-Canadian framework for science.

Allow me this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to thank and congratulate the many teachers who spend countless hours organizing science fairs, and mentoring our students.

We support their efforts in many ways, including through a unique partnership with Parks Canada which allows teachers to take part in summer institutes at various national parks in the province. Through these experiences, our teachers can further explore the world of science and bring that knowledge back to their students.

I invite my colleagues in this House to join me in recognizing Youth Science Month, and in encouraging students to participate in the school science fairs taking place.

Photo: The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, on behalf of the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, signs a proclamation declaring March as Youth Science Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Minister was joined by Lina Gallant, treasurer of the Eastern Newfoundland Science Fairs Council and, from back left, Anna O’Grady, a Level 3 student at Bishops College in St. John’s; Hannah Boone, a Level 1 student at Holy Heart in St. John’s; and Megan Howse, a Level 2 student at O’Donel High in Mount Pearl. All three students competed and brought home awards from in the Canada Wide Science Fair held in Toronto last year.

2012 03 12             1:50 p.m.