Scientists & Innovators in Schools (SIS) presented by TELUS: Year in Review

The thirty-fifth year of our longest-running free program marked a milestone as our first full year back in schools since pre-pandemic!

Scientists and Innovators in Schools (SIS), presented by TELUS, is a volunteer-based program with the goal of inspiring students through exciting, interactive presentations by professionals in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & design, and math).

We offer SIS free of charge to Grades K-12 everywhere in BC.

During the challenging times of COVID-19 restrictions, Science World educators and our amazing volunteers made innovations and adaptations to our delivery that have allowed SIS to continue growing its reach into more classrooms across BC.

By now offering both in-person and online visits, we have ensured that students in every region of the province can access the in-depth knowledge, experience and encouragement of STEAM mentors, regardless of their location.

How it works

SIS pairs a class of curious students with a STEAM professional whose knowledge matches the class's general interests. STEAM mentors are an inspiration to students as they share their enthusiasm for science. Visiting STEAM 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. SIS strives to engage students' curiosity for STEAM with diverse mentors so they can see themselves in a scientific future. The program also 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.

Explore our map of all the communities we visited in 2023!

Do you want a passionate and inspiring mentor in STEAM to visit your classroom? Do you want to BE that mentor?

We're matching mentors with classrooms for the current school year! Get in on the action.

Impact Snapshot

47 rural or remote communities

86 total communities

158 schools

695 presentations

14,379 total students

47 rural or remote communities

Expanding Science World's STEAM programming to rural and remote communities is crucial to bridge the gap in programming opportunities, ensuring that individuals in these areas have equitable access to diverse STEAM fields, fostering inclusivity, and unlocking the untapped potential of aspiring scientists, technologists, engineers, artists, designers, and mathematicians in every corner of the province.

86 total communities

This year, SIS reached as far north as Vanderhoof and Tatla Lake, spreading inspiration and igniting the spark in these communities to explore STEAM.

158 schools

In a province as expansive as BC, connecting these diverse communities not only amplifies the impact of knowledge-sharing but also plants the seeds for a collaborative network where innovation can flourish, transcending geographical barriers and fostering a sense of shared exploration.

695 presentations

Dozens of dedicated volunteers achieved nearly 700 in-person and online presentations that span a spectrum of topics, from sound production and musical instruments to drug discovery. The volunteer mentors are driven by the urgent need to demystify career paths to the diverse and exciting opportunities in the world of STEAM that await BC students.

14,379 total students

A resounding success! Thank you for helping us pave the way for a future generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers, and for making the province a little bit nerdier than it was the year before.

Mentor Spotlight

The volunteer mentors of SIS are pretty amazing. See for yourself. These are just a few of the brilliant people delivering STEAM presentations to students across BC.

Dr. Naowarat Cheeptham searches for medicine in the depths of the earth.
Dr. Connor Langford bores tunnels across North America.
Vienna Lam exposes how insects can help in forensic investigations.
Larry Fast scales software start-ups.
Dr. Poh Tan breaks down myths about stem cells.
Dr. Marina Milner-Bolotin explores electrostatics.

Do you want a passionate and inspiring mentor in STEAM to visit your classroom? Do you want to BE that mentor?

We're matching mentors with classrooms for the current school year! Get in on the action.

How it works

Do you want a passionate and inspiring mentor in STEAM to visit your classroom? Do you want to BE that mentor?

Impact Snapshot

Mentor Spotlight

Do you want a passionate and inspiring mentor in STEAM to visit your classroom? Do you want to BE that mentor?

We believe that now, more than ever, the world needs people who care about science. Help us fund the future and next generation of problem solvers, wonder seekers, world changers and nerds.