The Prince George facility founded on the concepts of STEM and steam has now partnered with Science World British Columbia to form a new way of promoting the lessons of history coupled with the advancements of science.
The Exploration Place Museum + Science Centre is the only stand-alone agency in Prince George to join in on a new initiative started in the United States, then championed into Canada by Science World British Columbia. Other local entities like UNBC, CNC and professionals in the science and technology sectors are also linked to this initiative called Symbiosis.
Symbiosis brings the various players in the science and technology industries into the same conversation about how to tailor the local education systems of the present and future, how to raise funds for mutual benefit, and how to open the doors for youth to the professions - both white collar and blue collar - that will shape this large aspect of the local, provincial and national economies.
"We live in a time of unprecedented change," said a statement issued jointly by Science World, The Exploration Place and other partners in the Symbiosis initiative.
"High-tech innovations are rapidly transforming 21st century societies and the Canadian marketplace is increasingly dominated by novel, knowledge-based jobs requiring high levels of literacy in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Failing to prepare the next generation to be STEM-literate threatens the health of our youth, the economy and the places we live.
"STEM literacy needs to be integrated into the broader context of what it means to be a 21st century citizen," the partners said, and to that point they added an ever-present but often overlooked aspect of the so-called smart economy. "Also important is inclusion of an extra letter, A, for art and design, resulting in STEAM. The idea behind Symbiosis is to make STEAM learning accessible across Canada."
The Exploration Place CEO Tracy Calogheros said the evolution of STEM into STEAM was an idea long overdue.
"The future is being defined by technological advancements in all areas. STEM and more precisely STEAM learning will create the foundation for tomorrow's leaders to be innovators," said Calogheros. "The Exploration Place has long taken a multidisciplinary approach to experiential education, offering lifelong learning opportunities spanning arts, heritage, science, technology and culture. This deepening of our partnership with Science World, and the addition of an international ecosystem of educators will strengthen those efforts and benefit students of all ages here in the north."
"By merging classrooms with communities, Symbiosis has potential to be a game-changer for education and the economy in British Columbia and beyond, providing children, youth and adults access to mentors and other critical resources," said Scott Sampson, president and CEO of Science World British Columbia. "Science World is excited to be playing a catalyst role in this large-scale effort. Nevertheless, for Symbiosis to realize its bold vision, the community-based collaborations must be far-reaching and diverse, likely spanning government, K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions, business, libraries and a variety of non-profits."
The joint statement explained that "as presently envisioned, Symbiosis will launch with two pilot projects: one in Vancouver and the other in Prince George region" with Exploration Place as the local headquarters.
The partners went on to say "the current plan is that within five years, every child in British Columbia - regardless of geographic location, ethnic background or family income - will have access to this interconnected web of STEAM learning opportunities. If successful, the resulting learning ecosystem could become a national model for scaling literacy and careers in STEAM-related fields."
