Scientists in Schools is a national program that creates and supports long-term professional partnerships between scientists and teachers in all school sectors. The aim of the program is to enhance science literacy in our schools by encouraging a greater understanding of science as it is enacted in our society.
Partnerships are completely flexible; the scientist and teacher are encouraged to work together to develop a program that suits their respective expertise, interests and availability.
The paper will include the history, purpose and status of the program. The variety in successful partnerships already established will be explored. As well, the benefits of the program, as reported by the participants, to themselves and the wider school community, will be discussed.