Science North

Published purpose

Science North and Laurentian University offer Canada’s first and only program dedicated to training the next generation of science communication professionals. In collaboration with SNOLAB, Canada’s deep underground research laboratory, Science North will present a 2-hour Special Topics class on Science Communication (SCOM) to 30 post-secondary students, with 90% of those students from underrepresented groups, including women, 2SLGBTQ+, visible minorities, and neurodivergent individuals. This course will focus on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) in Science Communication, utilizing the space science sector as a case study for a field that, through the efforts of the Canadian Space Agency, is progressively becoming more diverse and equitable. Best practices for incorporating EDIA in the development of hands-on workshops will be explored, along with delivery methods that enable diverse audiences to see themselves represented in workshop content. A SNOLAB staff member from an underrepresented group will provide real-world examples of careers in space science and space science communication to inspire future career pathways for underrepresented groups. The project includes two 9-week paid internships with Science North to SCOM students from underrepresented groups, during which they will develop space science workshops for pre-service teachers (160 post-secondary students), as well as for public audiences engaged at the science centre.