Program Encourages Young African Nova Scotian Science Learners

Ever wondered how DNA works? Why soda pops? Or how an electric motor works? These are just some of the questions explored by a group of African Nova Scotian junior high students in a unique Halifax-based, after-school program.

Thirty students from St. Patrick's-Alexandra and Caledonia Junior High schools attended a dinner, Thursday, July 6, at the Citadel Halifax Hotel to reflect upon the discoveries they made throughout the year.

The students are part of Imhotep's Legacy, a university-community partnership that promotes educational, social, and personal development of young African Nova Scotian learners by engaging them in math and science, after-school activities.

"I started this outreach program to increase the number of African Nova Scotian students interested in pursuing science as a profession," said Kevin Hewitt, assistant professor at Dalhousie University's department of atmospheric science. "Currently I am one of two African Canadian professors employed in a university physics department in Canada."

Students in the program experience science or math through a series of fun, interactive experiments designed to develop an appreciation for sciences. Field trips and off-site events are organized to expose learners to a broad range of subjects and disciplines beyond their usual experience. The activities are co-ordinated by students enrolled in science programs at Dalhousie University.

The program is funded by Dalhousie University's department of physics and atmospheric science and Black Student Advising Centre, the Department of Education's African Canadian services division, and the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

"One of our office's mandates is to create community and government partnerships," said Margo Hampden, Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs' program administration officer. "Imhoteps Legacy is a prime example of how community and government partners working on the program are able to bring an important educational initiative to our African Nova Scotian youth."

Interest groups at the dinner discussed plans to expand the program to other parts of the province starting with Truro in 2007 and Sydney in 2008.

"Success to me would mean a larger number of African Canadians pursuing science at the post-secondary school level and eventually entering the science profession," said Mr. Hewitt.

For more information on Imhotep's Legacy Project see the website www.imhotep.dal.ca/ .