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Talking science with Suzuki Darrell Greer Northern News Services Published Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The students, representing the junior and senior high classes at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI), took part in a video conference with one of the world's foremost environmentalists, Dr. David Suzuki. Students from 200 schools across the nation took part in the event, which also featured Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Story. MUI's involvement in the program was overseen by science teachers Katharine O'Connell and Karen Versluys. Grade 7 student Katauyak Everard and Grade 11 student Maria Kasaluak were chosen to talk to Suzuki after the Rankin group put in its discussion questions. MUI was one of only 20 Canadian schools selected to ask Suzuki a question. O'Connell said group members came up with the questions together, but it was decided only fair to select one representative from junior high and senior high to take part in the video conference. She said among the interesting points covered during the conference were the struggles Suzuki faced in his personal life dealing with racism, population growth and dynamics, Hiroshima, and where the future's headed with the environment. "We picked 10 students from both junior high and senior high for our discussion group who have expressed an interest in science, or who were interested in one of the topics in the film," said O'Connell. "The question they selected from us dealt with facing racism and discrimination in regards to how Inuit were treated in the past with residential schooling. "We asked him (Suzuki) how he could compare that to his own experiences, and what advice he would give to someone new to Canada." Everard, 12, said she totally enjoyed being part of the project. She said she liked watching the students from all the other schools that took part. "This was really a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the talks on climate change and what he (Suzuki) had to say about racism and stuff," said Everard. "It was interesting to hear what other students across Canada had to say, as well. "I already knew most of what was discussed, but I still found it very interesting. "I'd definitely take part in something like this again, if I had the chance." Kasaluak, 16, said it was a thrill to take part in the project and she enjoyed participating, big time. She said actually talking live to Suzuki with all the other students is something she'll never forget. "It was pretty cool to live in Rankin and get to talk to David Suzuki. "We were the only ones in Nunavut who got to do this, so it was cool representing Nunavut like that too." Kasaluak said many of the other students' questions were very interesting. She said she found listening to Suzuki talk about growing up more interesting than climate change. "Climate change is important, but it was interesting to hear him speak about some of the challenges he faced. "I felt like I had some of the same experiences or, at least, sort of the same. "Everyone was really into it, and I'd love to be involved with a project like this again." Versluys said the Rankin students were very excited to be involved in the video conference. She said most of the students had heard of David Suzuki before, and those who didn't recognized him as soon as they saw his picture. "It was a big deal for them to be the only school in Nunavut taking part, and, on top of that, being chosen to ask a question was quite a coveted opportunity," said Versluys. "Climate change made the biggest impact among most of our students because the kids here can relate to it through the changes that have occurred around them the past few years living in the Arctic. "That's something we can have a great discussion on because most of the kids remember how different even the snow was a few years ago. "Suzuki touched on that topic, and mentioned Inuit and the Arctic, so it really hit home for a lot of our students." Versluys said she's watched Suzuki since she was in Grade 9 and her heart sped up a bit when she asked if was OK for the Rankin kids to talk. She said the project was well-worth the time and effort that went into organizing MUI's participation. "I hope our kids get the chance to take part in something like this again and it doesn't turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "It really opened their eyes as to what other students are doing across Canada and it was neat for them to see other classrooms. "It put into perspective what a big deal David Suzuki is, as well as the issues he's concerned about when it comes to environmentalism. "This also showed our kids how many people get involved in science topics, and how important their input is in finding solutions."
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