Fair works to spark student interest in science

Page 6

Ron Ray wants to inspire First Nations students to pursue science-related careers. One way to do that, the Grade 7 teacher from Se-Se-Wa-Hum school decided, was to show the students the practical side of science-along with the fun side-by having them take part in a science fair. The result was the first ever Treaty 6 science fair, hosted by Se-Se-Wa-Hum on Nov. 25.

While Se-Se-Wa-Hum has previously held its own school-wide science fairs, this is the first attempt at organizaing an event for all Treaty 6 schools. Only two other schools joined Se-Se-Wa-Hum at this year's event-Ahtahkakoop school and the Christian Academy, also on Ahtahkakoop-but Ray hopes even more schools will get involved in the event in the future.

"We had three schools come in this time. But my ultimate goal at the end of the day would be to have all of Treaty 6. That was my goal, but it has to be initiated, so I took that upon myself to start it."

About 30 students in grades six to nine took part in the Treaty 6 science fair, creating projects ranging from the ever-popular volcano, to using heat and cold to act as a catalyst on a pop can, to an experiment showing how soil works to filter impurities from rainwater.

What the projects were about didn't matter as much as the fact that the students were participating, Ray said.

"They were actually taking part. They did their own experiments, and they had the science methods down."

The students also had an opportunity to learn more about the science behind their experiments, courtesy of two of the science fair judges, Dr. Lee Wilson and Glen Aikenhead, both from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).

Wilson, who has been recognized for his work in the field of chemistry with a 2004 National Aboriginal Achievement Award, is a research associate in the university's department of chemistry and is also science advisor to the dean's office in the U of S College of Arts and Science. He was also the first Metis student to earn a PhD in chemistry from the university. Aikenhead is a professor of curriculum studies who has researched and written on the topic of cross-cultural science education.

The students participating in the science fair were very enthusiastic, Ray said. Not only did they get to demonstrate their scientific achievements in front of their peers, but they also had a chance to meet Wilson, an Aboriginal man who has made science his career choice.

With his background in chemistry, Wilson was able to use the students' experiments to teach them and deepen their interest in science, Ray explained.

"He would tell them, 'Well, what causes a volcano to erupt? What did you use?' And the kids would say, 'Well, I used vinegar and baking soda.' And he said, 'Well why? Well, when you mix the two chemicals together, naturally, you're going to produce carbon dioxide or gas, and that's what causes it.' So he was explaining that to them, which was very good. And the kids were more interested because this was an Aboriginal person telling them."

Of course, the prizes handed out to participants at the end of the day didn't hurt the level of enthusiasm either. Thanks to sponsorship from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Sask Energy, Cameco and the Agency Chiefs Tribal Council, students received telescopes, microscopes and other science-related prizes in recognition of their efforts.

Ray thinks events like the fair benefit students by not only exposing them to science, but also by teaching them how Aboriginal people have contributed to the world of science.

"It's just like any other kids. They're interested in science. But we have to initiate it. Get them involved," Ray said.

"In fact, I feel that being First Nations, that they have a lot to give to science. Because we were here before, and we helped society when the newcomers came over. Like for instance, scurvy. We knew for a fact, we'd studied the herbs and berries, if you mixed a bit of berries-cranberries and blueberries and allthat-that would take care of the scurvy ... so we have a lot to contribute. And this is what I'm trying to instill in the students," he said.

"Some of them are really excited about science because science is so abstract. But if you can give them something concrete, like the catalyst with the can, or with the volcano, they can actually see it, that they take the baking soda and they put vinegar with it ... so they can see all this happening around. They realized it's there, but they haven't really seen it. And it gives them a lot of self-esteem. These kids were glowing at the end of the day, because they were able to see, as Dr. Wilson came around explaining a few things to them, and Glen Aikenhead, he was telling them a few things too. They were more enthused about it.

Eventually, Ron Ray would like to see all the schools in Treaty 6 taking part in the science fair, with different communities hosting the event each year. He'd also like to see more sponsorship of the event, and see a fund set up to help the schools cover the cost of travelling to the fair.

In the longer term, Ray would like to see even more mentors involved in the event, coming in to show the students that continuing their science studies can lead to scholarships, and even a good job.

And if any schools want to get involved in the Treaty 6 science fair but don't know how to get started, Ray is more than willing to give them the help they need. He can be contacted at Se-Se-Wa-Hum school at 724-2124.

In the meantime, Ray will be working to make next year's Treaty 6 science fair even bigger and better than this year's event, so even more First Nations students can get hands on experience in the world of science.

"We're a major stakeholder in Saskatchewan, and I think we have to start very young and get our kids involved in science. I know we'd like to go with the shotgun approach and get everybody, but if we can get one or two, or maybe five or 10, we've done our job. And that's all I really wan, is to get them involved."