Inspiring Discovery
UBC Let's Talk Science strives to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics literacy through the outreach efforts of members of the research community at the University of British Columbia. Our volunteers work with youth from elementary and secondary schools to ignite science excitement and share their knowledge with eager young minds.
Science Fair Mentorship
In conjunction with UBC’s Trek Program, UBC volunteers guide Grade 8-11 students from Britannia Secondary School through the process of completing a science fair project. This program has a tri-mentoring structure composed of a a graduate student leader and 2-3 undergrad science students. Together, each group supervises and mentors 2-3 groups of high school students while they work on their projects. Visits begin in early December with training occurring in mid-November. There are a total of 8 visits that occur from December to February after school for 1.5 hours. The program ends with Britannia Science Fair and mentors act as judges. Winners move onto the Vancouver District Science Fair.
While this is likely the program requiring the most commitment from volunteers, it is also the most enriching. The mentors take pride in the work their students are doing and the success of students in this program at district and national science fairs is spectacular. Also, graduate students are able to give students access to resources such as lab supplies and equipment that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Many high school students return to the program year after year!
For more information on this program and how to get involved, please contact the Mentorship Coordinator at mentorship@ubclts.com.
