July 10, 2013
School's Out for Summer and Construction is Underway on New Science Labs for Winnipeg High Schools
– – –New Labs Giving Students Access to Latest Technology, Quality Education: Allan
School is out for the summer and work is underway to ensure that when students and teachers return in the fall, many will be learning in new science labs. Construction is underway on 11 science labs in eight high schools across Winnipeg, Education Minister Nancy Allan said today as she toured the newly renovated science lab at Vincent Massey Collegiate.
“Our government knows these critical infrastructure projects provide students with high-quality learning opportunities that will inspire them to pursue careers in science and prepare them for challenging and rewarding jobs in the global economy,” said Allan.
The minister noted that design work is currently underway on a number of other Winnipeg science labs at Dakota and Glenlawn collegiates and newly renovated labs have already opened at Miles Macdonell, River East and Garden City collegiates.
The minister also noted that throughout the province, construction is underway on 19 labs in 14 schools. Design work is underway on an additional 11 labs in nine schools and work has recently been completed on 16 labs in 11 schools, she said.
These projects are part of the government’sScience Education Action Plan. The plan includes funding for science classroom renewal, teacher training and new strategic partnerships to promote provincial science programming. The plan will ensure that high school students have access to the best labs and equipment, and are taught according to a continually updated science curriculum, the minister said.
The province is also providing an additional grant of $25,000 for each science lab renovation project to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, such as Smart Boards, iPads for student use, digital microscopes and self-contained ecosystem aquariums.
“Access to the latest technology supports teachers in providing our students with high-quality, engaging science education, which opens the wonder and mystery of the world of science,” said Allan.
Manitobans can visit the Science Education Action Plan website at: www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/science/action_plan/index.html.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
Science Labs - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2013/07/Science_Labs.bkg.doc