How Can We Help You?

Youth Science Ontario celebrates its 10^th anniversary in 2011. Moving forward from this milestone and into the new year, we’d like to take this opportunity to introduce to some, and reintroduce to others the programs that we provide in promoting an Ontario where all students have opportunities to pursue science exploration.

We hope in reading this article, you will find one or more ways that Youth Science Ontario has helped or can help you with your personal experiences with the many science activities available across the province.

Our Programs

Supporting Ontario’s Regional Science Fairs – the reason why we formed in 2001 - This program provides a range of supports directly to the regional science fairs in Ontario, allowing them to enhance the program for youth, increase awareness of science fairs in their community and run a more effective science fair. Two advisory panels were formed over the summer, the Youth Advisory Panel and the Youth Science Volunteers Advisory Panel. The purpose of both groups is to draw on the experience of its members and utilize their input to further strengthen youth science programs in communities across the province.

Expanding Science Olympics Programming to more Ontario Youth - Science Olympics is a program for youth in grades 7 to 12 that brings together teams from schools across a region to compete in a variety of science, technology and engineering events. Science Olympics encourages youth to develop interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills while honing their science/engineering knowledge. This program offers youth an educational experience that goes beyond what is available during regular school hours.

Training & Motivating Ontario’s Youth Science Volunteer Community - Innovation Expo is an outreach program for kindergarten to grade 6 Ontario youth. The program introduces students to problems in our society that could be solved through science, engineering and technology. As students work in groups to come up with a solution to the posed problem in form of a skit, invention, letter, plan, etc., they are guided by facilitators who will apply problem solving strategies to engage the students to think creatively and critically.

Youth Inquiry Development Program – Youth Science Ontario is supporting the Niagara Regional Science and Engineering Fair in developing a youth outreach program that identifies and invests resources in exemplary students who demonstrate an interest in STEM experiences. This program focuses on inquiry skill development, incorporating the business of science, coaching from trained science professionals and establishing long-term relationships with participants. A successful pilot program began in September 2010 and is still ongoing in Niagara. We are now working on expanding this program to other regions in the province.

Providing Ontario Young Scientists with International Experience - Up to 20 of Ontario’s young innovators are eligible to attend the biannual International Movement for Leisure Activities in Science and Technology (MILSET - Mouvement International pour le Loisir Scientifique et Technique). Youth Science Ontario chooses the young scientists for MILSET from among the 200+ who compete on behalf of Ontario at each of the 2 preceding Canada-Wide Science Fairs. Our representatives are chosen based not only on their research but also on their ability to act as ambassadors of our province and country and to return home able to motivate themselves and others to explore how science, engineering and technology can change the world.

Introducing Ontario’s Young Scientists - Each year, following the Canada-Wide Science Fair, the Youth Science Ontario Showcase introduces Ontario’s top young innovators to supporters from government, research and industry who join us to celebrate their success. The recognition of their achievements by leaders from across these sectors provides considerable motivation for them to continue their work and consider their future in science, engineering and technology.

 Training & Motivating Ontario’s Youth Science Volunteer Community – Each year, Youth Science Ontario hosts a Youth Science Volunteers Conference in the fall offering networking opportunities, relevant presentations and workshops. The purpose is to ensure volunteers return to their communities equipped with a variety of tools to use in order to maximize the positive experiences of youth attending and participating in their fairs and outreach events. Additionally, throughout the year, we offer a number of training opportunities, such as our webinar series in order to connect with and support our volunteer community.

Community Outreach - For the past 3 years, Youth Science Ontario has partnered with Science Rendezvous in bringing a scaled-down version of our Science Olympics program to the public - the popular, mini Science Olympics. Science Rendezvous is a free grassroots festival targeted to people of all ages which takes place province-wide in May.

Keeping in Touch Through Social Media – Visit our Facebook page for the latest youth science news, photos, contests and community happenings. Friend us and join our growing network of current and past Team Ontario members!

We always welcome your questions or comments regarding any of our programs. For Science Olympics, Innovation Expos, Science Rendezvous and Facebook enquiries, please contact our Program Coordinator, Carolyn Loos at cloos@youthscienceontario.ca. For Science Fairs and Youth Inquiry Development Program enquires, please contact our Regional Science Fair Liaison, Jackie Hsi at jhsi@youthscienceontario.ca. General enquires may be forwarded to admin@youthscienceontario.ca. We’d love to hear from you!