In 2014, Science World carried out an extensive and collaborative inquiry into the opportunities and needs of teachers and schools, related to the curriculum transformation in BC. The aim of this research was to develop a strategy to support teaching, learning and leadership in science education in BC schools.
Inquiry participants told us that field trips to TELUS World of Science are perceived as very high quality excursions that provide enrichment to the new school curriculum. However, they said that funding was the greatest barrier to providing such field trips to students (notably the cost of a field trip, including transportation).
"Lack of funding for field trips and the cost of transportation are major barriers and therefore limit the number of field trips we take in a year. Many of our families are unable to pay the cost of field trips." —Teacher
"Lack of funding for field trips is a deterrent in schools with low-income families." —Teacher
Responding to this feedback from educators and parents, we have created a new initiative to support classes at underserved schools on their field trips to TELUS World of Science. The Science World Class Field Trip Bursary will support approximately 200 classes that will visit TELUS World of Science and participate in a school program, during the 2016/17 school year. We will be working with school district staff to identify eligible schools and promote this initiative within their district.
The Science World Class Field Trip Bursary will subsidize 50%–100% of general admission, a reserved program and school bus costs for 1–2 classes per request. The balance of the fees not covered by the bursary must be provided by the school. Interested teachers and administrators may apply for a bursary now, with priority given to field trips planned for 2016 and early 2017. For more information about the Science World Class Field Trip Bursary and to apply, visit scienceworld.ca/classbursary.
Science World Class Field Trip Bursaries for the 2016/17 school year are made possible through funds raised at Science of Cocktails 2016