Frequently Asked Questions                

 

...about Science Kits

What is a science kit?
A science kit is a large plastic tote box full of materials that pertain to a particular grade and strand in the Ontario Curriculum.  It contains consumables, non-consumable equipment, posters, and print resources for both the student and teacher. 

What kits are available?
There is at least one kit every grade and stand.  Click below to learn more...

                Kit List             

Didn't there use to be two Science Centres?
Yes, up until May of 2010, there was a science resource centre in Sarnia and another in Chatham.  These two locations have now been amalgamated at the Sarnia Errol Rd. location.  You can reach the centre by calling 519-541-0107 or e-mailing sciencecentre@lkdsb.net

Is one kit enough for my classroom?
One box will be enough for your classroom.  Kit  inventory includes items that are not typically or easily found within a school setting. For example, paper, glue, pencils would not be included.  The contents are limited by space (must fit into a 68 L plastic container), weight (kit users, the courier and science centre staff must be able to lift the boxes), and budget (a typical kit is worth between $400 and $600).  Other materials are disqualified for safety reasons. (i.e. glass, perishable food items, etc.)  In some cases, it might not have been feasible to include enough materials for each student to do a particular activity individually,  but as an alternative, that activity could be done in small groups or as a demonstration. 

How do I book a kit?
Booking a kit is as simple as a phone call or e-mail to your local science resource centre.  Click on the geographical location of your school to lead you to the appropriate kit lists. 

               Kit List         

Do I have to pick up my kit at the science centre?
No.  Your kit will be delivered by the same courier that brings your mail and media centre items. 

If you would prefer to pick up your kit, please call prior to your arrival to be sure there is a copy available and allow science centre staff the time to prepare it for you.

How does the courier system work?
There are four courier routes across the district.  Sarnia-Lambton schools are either on an "A" or a "B" route.  Chatham-Kent schools are on a "AA" or "BB" route. 

The couriers at both ends of the district run their two routes on alternate days over the five week days.  For instance, one week your school will have delivery on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the next it will be Tuesday and Thursday.  This pattern will keep repeating. 

It is the same courier going to all Lambton Kent D.S.B. and St. Clair Catholic D.S.B. schools, and they stop at all three board offices (Lambton Kent Sarnia and Chatham and St. Clair Wallaceburg).  This means that materials can be shipped between the two boards with ease. 

Your school secretary will likely have a copy of the schedule and would be the best person to confirm your school delivery days.

How long can I keep my kit?
Kits are booked out for eight weeks.  

What are my responsibilities as a kit user?

How do I know when to return my kit?
There will be a shipping label on the top of your kit when it arrives.  It will have the due date listed there.  Please do NOT remove this label.

How do I get my kit back to the science centre?
Simply leave your kit at the same location your secretary leaves the media and mail bags for pick up.  Don't forget to check the inventory.

What if I'm not quite done with my kit as my due date approaches?
Just give your friendly science centre staff a call.  We'll look to see if anyone has the kit booked after you.  If not, we'll assign you a new due date.  Unfortunately, if a colleague at another school is waiting for it, you'll have to send it back.  Please remember to check the inventory.

What if I've lost or broken something from my kit?
Leave a note for science centre staff with an explanation.  It is not policy at this time to have schools replace lost/missing items. However, if a large part of your kit is missing, any additional bookings you have will be suspended until the lost items are returned.  This will be assessed on an individual basis.

Why can't I book kits after May 30th for the 2010/11 school year?
All science kits need to be returned by the end of the third week of June to ensure there is time for Science Centre Staff to check all incoming kits prior to summer holiday.  To send any more materials out would be counteractive to this cause.  If you need a kit for the first part of June, be sure to book it so it is shipped prior to the deadline.

When can I start booking for the next school year?
Science Centre staff can take orders for the next school year as early as the third week in June. 

Are the science centres open in the summer?
Yes and no.  Generally, hours are 8 to 3, Monday to Thursday.  Note, however, that science centre staff routinely take holiday time over the summer months.  The best practice is to call ahead to determine if the facility is open.

Can I book for the whole year in advance?
Yes.  As of the third week of June, you can book your kits for the entire year.  Booking changes can be called in should your schedule change, although accommodation to your changes is based on kit availability.

Can SEP resources be borrowed by someone other than LKDSB or SCCDSB teachers?
No.  If you are not an teacher employed by the Lambton Kent District School Board or the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, you are not able to book S.E.P. resources.  Student teachers can book kits through the teacher to which they are assigned.

Are the foam trays and egg cartons found in SEP kits new? 
Yes.  Both are purchased from paper and packaging supply companies.  

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...about the Adopt-a-Scientist Volunteer Program

What is the Adopt-a-Scientist program?
This is a program that pairs people with engineering/scientific/technical backgrounds with classroom teachers.   To learn more specific details about the program and to book a demonstration for your classroom, click here to go to the "Adopt-a-Scientist" page.

Who are the volunteers?
The volunteers are primarily retired people from the local petrochemical industry.  Most are retired engineers or research scientists.

Do A-a-S volunteers have to have criminal background checks?
As of September of 2004, all volunteers will undergo criminal background checks.  Copies of the records check will be kept on file at the Science Resource Centre in Sarnia.  They will be updated according to the volunteer policies within each school board.

How many volunteers are active in the program?
Currently, we have 6-16 active volunteers at any given time in the school year.

Will volunteers from the Sarnia area travel to Chatham Kent?
The A-a-S program began in 1995 prior to amalgamation.  Many of volunteers are retired from the Sarnia area petrochemical industries, and therefore reside in the Sarnia area.  Some volunteers are willing to traveling to the south part of the district, while others are not as comfortable going outside the Sarnia area.  Science Centre staff leave this decision up to the volunteer, so it will depend on who does the particular demonstration you are interested in whether or they will go to more distant destinations.

We are always trying to find volunteers who reside in the south part of the district.  If you know of someone with a science/engineering/technical background who may be interested in volunteering, please have them contact Wendy at 519-541-0107 or hooghiwe@lkdsb.net. 

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... about our Partners

Who are the partners in the Science Education Partnership?
Click here to go to our "Partners" page to find this current information.

How does my business become a partner?
We welcome you to be a part of this exciting educational opportunity.  Your company can become a supporting member of the Science Education Partnership, either by making a financial contribution or by providing personnel with expertise in science or technology for our Adopt-a-Scientist Program... or both!

To find out more about the Science Education Partnership, you can download versions of our

Annual Report (PDF)

To speak with a someone about becoming a S.E.P. partner, please contact the SEP Science Reource Centre

Wendy Hooghiem,
(p) 519-541-0107 or
(e) hooghiwe@lkdsb.net



If I chose to make a financial contribution, to whom do I make out the cheque?  
Please note that all cheques should be made out to the Lambton Kent District School Board, not the Science Education Partnership.  The SEP resides under the umbrella of this larger charitable foundation which covers all local school charities.  It is a registered charitable organization and tax receipts are issued for all donations.  Cheques should be sent to the Science Education Partnership Science Resource Centre, c/o Errol Road Public School, 989 Errol Road East, Sarnia ON N7S 2E6.

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