Thank You for 36 Years of SIS!
After 36 years of offering Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS), it’s with heartfelt gratitude that we bid farewell to the program. Over the last three decades, the award-winning SIS program touched millions of students’ lives, and we couldn’t have done it without our amazing mentors.
“I’ve been involved with SIS since 2019 and have witnessed how the mentors’ infectious enthusiasm has inspired students. While SIS will be missed, I know its legacy will live on through the many students who now see science as part of their everyday lives—and as potential career paths,” said Christine Olsen, Experiential Learning Specialist at Science World.
A Short History of SIS
Operational since 1989, SIS was officially the longest-running volunteer outreach program at Science World, with the goal of connecting STEM professionals to elementary and high school students across British Columbia. Our SIS mentors travelled far and wide to reach remote corners of B.C., including Talta Lake—with just over 100 residents.
During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020, when SIS pivoted to an online delivery model, our volunteers were dedicated as ever: SIS mentors delivered online sessions while posted in Beirut or grounded in India!
Science Made Straightforward
What made SIS such a beloved program was how mentors broke down complex concepts into interactive and lively demonstrations. Kids learned about light & colour through coffee filter chromatography, and forces & motion via balloon-powered cars. Other popular hands-on activities included Robot Mice, Inventing Air Machines, Squishy Circuits, Kitchen Science, Pollinators, Women in Science, and much more.
Kids Felt Seen in Science
Not only did we promote everyday science, SIS was also a vehicle to champion diversity. The SIS team actively recruited volunteer mentors from various backgrounds (refugees, newcomers, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, women, differently abled folks) so students could see themselves in science and technology leadership roles.
Thank You to Our Donors
We’re incredibly grateful to all our past partners, mentors, and network who supported Scientists and Innovators in Schools in our mission to spark science enthusiasm and inspire students across BC. Because of our network’s generosity, we were able to offer this invaluable program without any financial impact on teachers, schools, or our dedicated volunteers.
Thank you for inspiring the next generation of science superstars.
“The presenter was absolutely amazing. She went above and beyond to prepare me for the virtual visit.”
Teacher in Vancouver, B.C.
“Thanks for showing us how to make wine glasses explode, it was the highlight of my week!”
Jasper, student