Saint-Hubert, Quebec, August 15, 2003- Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Marc Garneau spoke to over 120 teachers at the Agency’s headquarters, in Saint Hubert Quebec, during the closing session of the CSA’s three-day annual Space Educators’ Conference.
Dr. Garneau highlighted the importance of education and praised teachers’ commitment to moulding student perspectives and expanding their knowledge. ” Educators do much more than develop young minds – they open them to the possibility that nothing is out of reach, to the realisation that there is a genuine purpose to the exploration of space, and to the notion that they have an opportunity to play a major role in future scientific and technological breakthroughs.”
Educators from across Canada were treated to presentations and hands-on workshops on topics ranging from unearthing the secrets of Mars and bringing space technologies down to Earth to capturing climate change and troubleshooting in a space environment. Linked with the teachers via videoconference from Houston, CSA Astronauts Dr. Bob Thirsk, and Dr. Dave Williams explored the themes of life support requirements on Mars and the science of spacesuits. On site with the educators at CSA headquarters, Astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield spoke about the history and the future of Canadian robotics technologies.
“This conference is an amazing opportunity, allowing teachers to come into direct contact with Canada’s best minds in the field of space at the CSA. The teacher really becomes the student,” said Philomena Bonis, a grade 7-8 teacher at Queensmount Public School in Kitchener, Ontario.
The Canadian Space Agency is bridging the gap between the scientific and education communities by sharing expertise and creating quality learning opportunities, critical to the development of a scientifically literate population. Committed to supporting the education community’s efforts, the CSA develops innovative resources and opportunities, such as this conference, to improve scientific and technological literacy among young Canadians and increase the number of students pursing careers in science and engineering.