Imperial Oil invests in education

Dr Elaine Simmt runnng a math workshop at Strathcona Composite High School

Imperial Oil has donated $1 million to wards a support centre in the Faculty of Education aimed at helping teachers in the classroom.

The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (CMASTE) has already been running and "doing great things" on "a modest budget," says faculty development officer, Colleen Hawreluk. The centre produces classroom-support programs and materials - such as interactive CD-ROMs and teaching units - designed to make the subjects come alive for young students.

This latest infusion of funds, however, will take the newly named Imperial Oil National Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (IONCMASTE) to "a new national level." It will beef up some of its more ambitious projects and provide a Web site where teachers and students from across the country can look up answers to math and science questions.

"We find often times that teachers get out into the school system and there isn't the time or the resources in the classroom to spend a lot of time coming up with really creative ideas," says Hawreluk. There are also those who have been in the classroom so long they've lost touch with advancements in scientific knowledge and technology, adds Hawreluk.

She says research shows children who are not properly initiated into math and science at a young age are less likely to take an interest in the subjects later in life.

"The most critical stage is the elementary stage, and I guess Imperial Oil understands that. They understand if they want to have top quality students coming out of the schools that eventually go to university and they eventually hire, they have to start in the school system.they want to make sure [students] get the best education they can get."

To encourage interest in science among elementary students, IONCMASTE has designed a "science simulations" series on CD-ROM allowing users to play with "what-if" scenarios. One example might allow students to manipulate variables affecting depletion of the ozone layer. Another project will identify 30 beginning elementary science teachers who will work with faculty and with exemplary science teachers to hone their craft. In addition to becoming better teachers, participants will be encouraged to provide leadership to colleagues.

IONCMASTE is also involved in research designed to improve the education of teachers. Such research would focus on a number of issues, says Hawreluk, from how boys and girls learn science and math differently to the impact of technology in the classroom.

"We believe we can make a difference," says Imperial Oil president and CEO, Bob Peterson. "[This gift is made] in support of the classroom teacher, where we believe the support must ultimately be made."

Folio front page

Office of Public Affairs

University of Alberta