Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 08/02) - In the basement of the Lahm Ridge Building 25 scientists were hard at work designing Martian land rovers.

The inventions, constructed from pop cans, cardboard, elastics and a battery, will never see a planet surface beyond Earth.

The focus of the workshop was not to create a new off-world vehicle. It was to instruct NWT science teachers on the new Grade 9 and 10 science curriculum.

Beginning mandatory implementation next year the new curriculum takes a hands- on approach to teaching science.

"It called the constructivist approach to learning," said Steven Daniel co-ordinator, math-science and secondary education with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Daniel was also involved in writing the new Grade 9 science text book.

The focus of the new curriculum is to get students to learn by doing, and being able to observe the systems and theories they are working with in their practical applications.

"Instead of the theory being in the abstract, kids can see how electric circuits work and then when you bring the theory into it, it makes more sense," said Daniel.

The hands-on approach creates a much more dynamic and fun learning atmosphere, according to Daniel.

"If you're not having fun, it's drudgery.

"If you make science concepts fun then kids are more likely to pursue it," he said.

The new curriculum also has the benefit of being pan-Canadian, which allows for more continuity across the country.

Meaning that students in Newfoundland or Ontario will be on the same page as students in Alberta or the NWT.

Finally the new curriculum adds a regional and cultural relevance to teaching that wasn't present before.

That was an aspect of the text book that Daniel was heavily involved in.

The new texts reference directly Northern issues, such as the Mackenzie Valley.

It also has aspects that take into account aboriginal culture.

Only a year away from implementation, teachers are also excited about the new approach.

"We need it, it's about time. It's bringing everything up to date and it's putting a Northern focus on it, which is good. It seems to focus on the best way kids learn and that's hands on," said Peggy Ransom, a science teacher from Fort Smith.