RANKIN INLET - A teacher and student from Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik in Rankin Inlet will represent the Kivalliq on the Schools on Board Program this coming August.

Teacher Katharine O'Connell and Grade 11 student Kayla Bruce, right, of Rankin Inlet are feeling just ducky about sailing on the CCGS Amundsen this coming August as part of the Schools on Board Program. - photo courtesy of Katharine O'Connell

Katharine O'Connell and Grade 11 student Kayla Bruce's participation is sponsored by the Kivalliq Science Educators' Community (KSEC).

Schools on Board was developed to bridge Arctic research with science education in high schools across Canada, increase awareness of issues related to climate change, and excite young Canadians about career opportunities and the challenges of Arctic research.

O'Connell and Bruce will sail to Kugluktuk from Iqaluit on the CCGS Amundsen from Aug. 1-12.

The following month they will present their experience at the Kivalliq Science Culture Camp to promote Arctic research as a component of future KSEC camps and fairs.

KSEC plans to make Schools on Board an annual program to attract the top science students in the region.

O'Connell said she's looking forward to the trip.

She said she was excited to learn the KSEC had selected her and Bruce to be the first to take part.

"I'm actually meeting with the head of Schools on Board during the Canada-Wide Science Fair this coming week," said O'Connell.

"I'm hoping to get more information on our involvement then, but, from what I read on the website, the main focus is on research, information workshops and lab work on climate change.

"But, I don't know exactly what we'll be doing."

O'Connell said there will be 10 students from across Canada on the voyage. She said it will be great to meet them, and the trip promises to be a lot of fun.

"I'm sure we'll learn a great deal from the people on-board.

"There will be quite a few things I can use back in my classroom that will relate to some of the themes we do, so I'm looking forward to it."

Bruce, 16, said she's very excited about the program.

She said it's going be a unique experience, and she's looking forward to meeting different people and learning new things.

"My dad (Tommy) was really hoping I'd do this, but I would have done it even if he hadn't encouraged me," said Bruce.

"I was at the science camp in Baker Lake last year, so I know what to expect when we present our report at the next camp in Rankin.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the other students on the trip and, I'm guessing, since there's not that many of us, we'll probably get close to each other."

Bruce said she strongly encourages students to get involved with the science programs in the region.

She said working hard and being successful with science projects can open new doors of opportunity.

"If you do well in the local and regional fairs, you get to travel, reach different places and learn new things.

"Science is not my favourite subject and it doesn't come naturally to me.

"I have to work hard at it, but it's been worth it."