Grenfell Campus program brings physics to rural Newfoundland and Labrador classrooms

A Grenfell Campus program is bringing interactive physics lessons and career information to students in rural and remote communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Science Quest North was developed by Dr. Svetlana Barkanova, a physics professor and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council chair for inclusion in science and engineering.

The program is designed for students in Grades 8 to 12 who may not have access to regular physics courses. It uses demonstrations, activities and presentations to show how physics applies to everyday life and a wide range of careers.

The program highlights career opportunities where physics plays an important role, including medicine, technology, engineering, architecture, environmental science, meteorology, aerospace, data science and energy.

Barkanova, who is originally from Latvia, says information about physics-related careers is not always easily accessible to students, particularly those in rural and remote communities.

Retired physics teacher Larry Eddy serves as the program's curriculum development specialist. His position was created for the project and funded by Cenovus Energy.

Eddy is developing curriculum-aligned, interactive lessons that can be delivered by teachers who may not have specialized physics training.

Science Quest North has already been piloted in several rural schools, including schools in Blaketown and Nain.

The program's curriculum is now complete, with organizers looking to expand its reach to more classrooms across Newfoundland and Labrador.