Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS)

Inspiring students with free presentations by STEAM mentors

Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS) is a volunteer-based program with the goal of inspiring students through exciting, interactive presentations by STEM professionals. The SIS program is offered free of charge to Grades K-12 everywhere in BC, through online and in-person sessions.

SIS pairs a class of curious students with a STEM professional whose knowledge matches the class's general interests. STEM mentors are an inspiration to students as they share their enthusiasm for science. Visiting STEM professionals have been proven to increase students' interest in science by providing them with the kind of role model that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Experiences shape our ideas of the world, and SIS strives to engage students' curiosity for STEAM with diverse mentors so they can see themselves in a scientific future. Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS) aims to address BC's need for more scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, innovators, and creative technology professionals by promoting students' interest in everyday science, as well as professions in these areas.

WHO MIGHT VISIT A CLASS? Meet a SIS volunteer "Mentoring for Change"

REQUESTS ARE CURRENTLY FULL FOR THE 2024/25 SCHOOL YEAR. We'll re-open requests if more mentor slots open.

REQUEST A VISIT

Scientist and Innovators in Schools (SIS) will do our best to match your class with a STEM professional whose knowledge is in the general area of your students' interests, to be an inspiration and share their enthusiasm for STEAM.

Please note: Our availability is limited, if possible we will match a mentor for in-person sessions. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

In-person Session Requirements

Supervising teacher to serve as the facilitator. The teacher will be required to assist the mentor with classroom activities and behaviour management during the presentation.

Online Session Requirements

Supervising teacher to serve as the facilitator. The teacher will be required to be near the microphone to transmit feedback/answers to the presenter.
Good working internet.
A projector/screen that all the students can see.
A computer or laptop with audio (one with an external speaker and microphone is ideal).

Visit Feedback

TEACHERS: Click on the button below to:

Give detailed feedback to a volunteer STEM Mentor about your session.
Let SIS know how your session went.
Send a THANK YOU comment or share a session photo.
Give SIS feedback on the request and matching process.

DETAILED FEEDBACK FORM

VOLUNTEER

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER WITH SIS?

Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS) endeavours to promote science and technology in Grades K-12 throughout BC. We seek diverse, dedicated volunteers from various fields to bring the world of STEAM into the classroom. A volunteer's aim is to use their expertise and knowledge to stimulate interest in science and technology in an exciting and fun way.

We welcome enthusiastic STEM professionals to become part of our program and request volunteers to have completed a bachelor's degree, a technical program, or have experience working in a STEAM field. SIS provides training and support to enhance science communication with K-12 students, support from Science World educators, and network opportunities with other STEM professionals. The SIS program will reimburse costs incurred during school visits, including travel & presentation materials (within certain guidelines).

VOLUNTEER WITH SIS