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

Youth Science Month Activities Highlighted

Mr. Speaker, this morning I had the pleasure of visiting students and staff at Brother Rice Junior High for the opening of their annual Science Fair, which coincides with the recognition of March as Youth Science Month in schools across Newfoundland and Labrador.

As it turns out, the school is holding its annual Heritage Fair at the same time, so I was fortunate enough to view a wide range of high-calibre projects in both the science and heritage fields. I commend the students at Brother Rice, as well as all students from across the province, for their hard work and innovative thinking in preparing for these events.

Mr. Speaker, each year students compete in school and regional science fairs during the month of March. These fairs stimulate curiosity, provide motivation for learning, and encourage our youth to develop an appreciation for science.

As in past years, several students from this province will attend the Canada Wide Science Fair, which is taking place in Lethbridge, Alberta, in May. I have no doubt that students from Newfoundland and Labrador will once again represent us well.

In today’s classrooms, Mr. Speaker, students learn about the fundamental principles of science, and how to apply this knowledge to the world around them. Recognizing this, in recent years, science laboratories in schools have undergone a major refurbishment, with an investment of $5.6 million in lab safety and science equipment. We have also renewed curriculum so that the entire K-12 program is aligned with the pan-Canadian framework for science.

I invite my colleagues in this Honourable House to join me in congratulating students across the province whose hard work results in some top quality projects. Join me as well in thanking the many teachers and volunteers who spend countless hours mentoring our students, and for organizing science fairs, and other events, which complement the education curriculum.

Photo: Brother Rice Junior High student Artemis Strangecrow discusses the scientific principles behind his science fair project with Education Minister Clyde Jackman, who was at the school Tuesday (March 12) to mark Science Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.

2013 03 12                             2:00 p.m.