CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, N.L. — Jamie Parsons has seen first-hand how young, innovative minds can make big improvements in this world.
“It’s pretty impressive when you see what they can do when they’re in action,” said Parsons, assistant principal of Holy Spirit High in Conception Bay South.
Having spent most of his career as a science teacher at Holy Heart High School in St. John’s, Parsons has helped shape many young minds over the years.
This year, he’s playing a crucial role in bringing dozens of them from across the country to the world stage.
The 43-year-old is heading the Youth Science Canada delegation of students (Grades 9 to 12) in the MILSET Expo-Sciences International 2019 in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, beginning Monday. The event is an international youth STEM ((science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project exhibition that brings together thousands of young scientists from around the world, with a focus on communication, co-operation, networking and sociocultural interchange, rather than competition.
“It’s pretty impressive when you see what they can do when they’re in action." — Jamies Parsons
“Students are able to use innovative, curiosity and critical thinking skills to solve real-life, everyday problems,” said Parsons, noting many students from this province have won awards at previous events.
“They often come up with new ways of doing things.”
The event also includes cultural and scientific visits, leisure activities, workshops, presentations and lectures, as well as opportunities for youth to address global STEM-related issues — an opportunity, Parsons said, that will be hugely beneficial and memorable for students.
Twitter: @TelyRosie
Five reasons why local educator Jamie Parsons believes STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project-based learning is important for youth:
- It engages the natural curiosity of young people to answer questions that matter to them.
- It allows students to explore their world using a critical lens.
- It helps them learn new skills that are transferable and applicable to other areas of life.
- They learn to interact with peers, mentors, teachers and professionals in meaningful, educational ways.
- It helps them answer important questions through hands-on experimentation, innovation and research.
