Science Awareness: Creating Science Learning Objects for First Nations Students

Objectives:

1. To create science Learning Objectives (i.e., curricular materials for K-12 teachers, science summer camps, community groups and individuals) that spark interest in the sciences among Aboriginal students and encourage them to pursue university-level science programs.
2. To document our development process as a case study of curriculum development of First Nations students.
3. To initiate mentoring activities to assist students as they complete their secondary education and consider options for post-secondary education.

Rationale:

Despite the exponential increase in the Aboriginal youth population, Aboriginal people continue to have low admission and participation rates at UBC and other post-secondary institutions. In addition very few Aboriginal high school students are graduating with the necessary prerequisite courses to enter into science programs. The goal of this project is to create learning materials that will engage the interest of First Nations K-12 students in science by promoting an appreciation of the links between indigenous and western science.

Tim Michel, First Nations Coordinator, Faculty of Science / Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
David Shackleton, Associate Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
Paul Harrison, Associate Dean, Faculty of Science
Ian Cavers, Associate Dean, Faculty of Science
Shona Ellis, Instructor, Botany, Faculty of Science
Yona Sipos Ravidor, Graduate Student, Faculty of Forestry