What is the Science Ambassador Program?

The Science Ambassador Program connects northern Indigenous communities with the University of Saskatchewan by pairing senior undergraduate and graduate students with schools across northern Saskatchewan each spring. Science Ambassadors provide culturally-responsive, hands-on science education activities in the classroom, and an environment where K-12 students can develop a high level of comfort and success in exploring scientific concepts.

Qualifications and Requirements

We are looking for Science Ambassadors who:

• Are senior undergraduates or graduates in sciences, education, engineering or health sciences.
• Are enthusiastic about science and want to inspire others to love learning.
• Demonstrate cultural competencies, honor Indigenous knowledge and worldviews and have an interest in presenting culturally inclusive science activities.
• Enjoy working with K to 12 students.
• After basic training are confident in teaching a variety of scientific topics (K to 12 level).
• Have excellent communication skills in English.
• Have the ability to cooperate and collaborate with a co-instructor, classroom teacher and program coordinator.
• Are a positive role model.
• Have a reliable vehicle to travel to communities (not required but an asset).
• Can commit to working full-time hours for the duration of your 4-week placement and attend training sessions dispersed throughout Feb - April leading up to your placement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Ambassadors travel in pairs to a northern Indigenous community and work with K to 12 students for 4 weeks in May/June 2024. The hours are full time. Ambassadors work with classroom teachers to inspire students through co-leading fun, hands-on, culturally competent science and math activities from a variety of science disciplines. Ambassadors are be based out of the local school to teach hands-on science lessons and engage with the community.

Benefits:

• Ambassadors are immersed in life in a northern Indigenous community (Treaty 10, 8, 5 and 6) and have unique opportunities for two-way learning.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness training provided.
• Getting paid to have fun with science (remuneration is consistent with the University of Saskatchewan Student Assistant rates of pay).
• Travel, accommodation and food stipend provided.

How to Apply:

Please contact ZHE | Zoe Slusar, Coordinator for the Science Ambassador Program at zos352@usask.ca to receive the online application form.

 

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