University of Western Ontario

Published purpose

The objectives of the “Exploring Other World's by Exploring Our Own” initiative are fourfold. The first and second objectives are to increase awareness of Canadian space science and technology among Canadian youth and to inspire them to consider a career in science by engaging them in activities related to planetary science. The project will design and deliver age-specific activities using an inquiry-based teaching philosophy through which primarily grade 9 students can learn about the Earth and the universe. The initiative will also increase awareness of Canadian space science and technology among Canadian educators by providing instruction and resources to science teachers to enable them to more easily and accurately teach planetary science and exploration topics. This will be achieved through school visits, mentoring, and an annual teacher training workshops linked to the current Ontario Curriculum. The final objective is to provide training and teaching experience for graduate students using inquiry-based problem-based methods.