There are many ways in which our Innovators can be used effectively.
For example, a Level III Biology class studying anatomy would benefit from a presentation by an embalmer or an organ donation specialist.
As well, a junior high school Computer Science class would benefit from a presentation by an RCMP Constable who could explain the police computer CPIC.
A high school Theatre Arts class would get professional advice and instruction from a theatre sound and lighting technician.
As well, school counsellors could invite psychologists and mental health experts to speak to such groups as Peer Tutors, Peer Counsellors, and Family Living classes.
These are just a few examples of the ways in which some of the Innovators could benefit your classes.
There are also many Innovators in the catalogue who can speak on a variety of interesting topics. Among these are Dr. Doug Forbes, who enthrals children, big and small, with his presentation on stars, galaxies and the universe. Mr. Lloyd Hollett has been a most popular and enthusiastic volunteer with his display of insects and spiders. Many of the Innovators can adjust the level of their presentation to relate to the specific age of the students being addressed.
Various Innovators have indicated that they would be willing to address groups of teachers. For example, we can arrange to have an Innovator give perhaps a one hour workshop to teachers assembled on a Professional Development Day.
Also, an Innovator may be arranged to address a group of science teachers outside of class time. In the past year, STEPS has provided a total of many Innovators to Science Fairs to judge exhibits.
Innovators have also been involved in Science in the Library presentations and in presentations to community groups such as Sparks and Brownies.
Please look through The Catalogue carefully. Let your imagination soar as you pair up Innovators with areas of your curriculum that could be enhanced and brought to life by a presenter who works in the field. Remember, if you think a certain topic and presentation looks interesting and informative, your students will too.
To help make the presentations a success, please keep these guidelines in mind:
1. Teachers are required to be present during the presentation.
2. Please prepare the students beforehand and suggest they think of some questions they could ask the Innovator.
3. Please allow time to have the Innovator meet the school staff before the presentation.
4. Please consider having spare time for children to informally talk with the Innovator (ie. lunch hour, recess).
5. Innovators appreciate a break in the day if they are presenting to many classes and coffee is always appreciated.
6. Consider providing lunch for the speaker if they are visiting for the full day. (Innovators-STEPS will pay for the Innovator's meal if the claim is submitted).
7. Have the classroom set up beforehand with equipment the Innovator will need.
8. A thank-you note from the class sent after the visit is much appreciated.
Please have the class write and send a note saying how much they enjoyed the Innovator's visit. Please address it to:
In this way, the funding agency, Science Culture Canada, will receive information and appreciation about our program.
Please provide Innovators-STEPS with a copy of the letter also.