The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Science Education Partnership, a dynamic collaboration that has transformed science learning across the district since its founding in 1995.
Presented at the October 28, 2025 public Board Meeting, the milestone recognizes three decades of “hands-on, minds-on” science education made possible through the collective efforts of LKDSB educators, local businesses, industry leaders, and community groups. The partnership’s mission is simple but powerful: to support elementary educators in delivering engaging, experiential science learning that inspires curiosity and deepens understanding.
One of the program’s flagship initiatives is the Science Kit Program, which provides curriculum-aligned kits covering more than 42 unique topics—from “Living Things” and “Flight” to “Space,” “Conservation,” and “Machines & Mechanisms.” With over 600 science kit boxes circulating across LKDSB schools and more than 1,500 bookings to date this year, the program ensures students have access to tactile, real-world materials that bring science to life.
The Science Discovery Squad (SDS), another cornerstone of the partnership, connects community volunteers directly with classrooms. What began in 1995 with just six volunteers and 17 classrooms has grown to 44 volunteers reaching 493 classrooms in 2025. Volunteers deliver interactive demonstrations on topics such as sugar science, coding, pulleys, gears, and gravity—creating memorable moments that extend far beyond the textbook.
During the Board Meeting, Student Trustee Lily Bressette reflected on her own experience with the program:
“It’s one of those classroom memories that really stand out. It’s exciting, and the lesson and experience stay with you.”
One longtime SDS volunteer, Engineer Jim Wicks, shared his motivation for participating:
“I enjoy when I see it click with students—a lesson comes to life and they have that ah-ha moment. They get it.”
In addition to in-class visits, the partnership hosts a variety of annual and virtual events, including National Engineering Month (October–March), Wonder Wednesday Virtual Classrooms, Canada Agriculture Day in February, and monthly Taylor Talks focused on environmental education.
Teachers across LKDSB consistently praise the program for its ability to increase engagement, support kinesthetic learning, and reach diverse learners. Students describe the experience as unforgettable—highlighting the opportunity to manipulate materials, explore real-world applications, and learn from professionals with lived experience in science and engineering fields.
As LKDSB celebrates this milestone, the Science Education Partnership continues to exemplify the Board’s commitment to preparing students #ForTheFuture—where curiosity is nurtured, learning is active, and community collaboration fuels student success.