UOIT Faculty of Science shares knowledge, experience at bioscience educators conference

Representatives from UOIT's Faculty of Science joined Canada's leading bioscience researchers at the second annual National Bioscience Educators' Conference to enhance the skills of secondary school teachers and assist them in the further development of current educational curriculum in biosciences.

The two-day conference in late February, hosted by the Canadian Biotechnology Education Resource Centre and the School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry of Seneca College at York University, provided secondary school science teachers with workshops intended to increase their experience in lab activities; presentations to enhance their science knowledge; and information sessions about the programs available to help them with their classroom delivery objectives.

There were presentations on a broad spectrum of bioscience topics, including one by Dr. Douglas Holdway, a professor of Ecotoxicology at UOIT and Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Toxicology. Holdway presented on water pollution and aquatic ecosystems, which briefly defined pollution, identified specific pollutants compared to toxicants and the effects of water pollutants. Attendees of the lecture participated in a discussion on how to reduce and prevent water pollution in day-to-day living. They were also provided with a summary of the UOIT research program in aquatic toxicology and its lab facilities.

"Aligning the secondary school curriculum with that of universities is a brilliant way to introduce students to post-secondary education options they may not have previously considered," said Dr. Holdway. "It is important to foster a greater understanding and interest in science and scientific methods, and UOIT's leading-edge learning environment and innovative research opportunities are shining examples of what is available."

In addition to presenting his research, Holdway participated in the Teachers' Science and Technology Outreach Program (TSTOP) workshop, enabling him to briefly describe UOIT's role in the program and increase awareness among educators of the professional development opportunities offered to teachers. The program links secondary school teachers with
researchers, including undergraduate and graduate research students, post-doctoral fellows and university faculty for mentorship in the areas of science and technology. As part of a previous TSTOP initiative, UOIT provided a local secondary school with some aquaria and supporting equipment to allow for the set up of fish breeding tanks. The students were able to maintain the tanks, breed and raise various fish species to learn about animal farming techniques, demonstrate reproductive behaviour and fish larval development.

Also on hand at the conference was Kimberly Nugent, a senior laboratory instructor in the Faculty of Science, who networked with attendees to create awareness about UOIT's Youth Science and Outreach Program (YSTOP). Launched in Fall 2006, the initiative gives students a chance to conduct science projects with the mentorship of the university's faculty members and researchers.

"Many teachers and students are not aware of the outreach programs, such as TSTOP and YSTOP, that are offered at UOIT," said Nugent. "These outreach programs are valuable tools in providing secondary school students with hands-on experience with exciting research projects."

UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five prestigious Canada Research Chairs, two of which are held by professors in the Faculty of Science.

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