PIR developed several approaches to connect students, teachers and researchers.
Delta curriculum resources
Delta linked inquiry, story-based science lessons and expert mentorship for Grades 1–8. Its dedicated page now includes the program history and 80 historical lesson downloads organized by grade and topic.
PIR helped manage a national biotechnology research competition in which secondary students worked with research mentors and presented their findings at regional and national events.
PIR worked with Cisco Canada and other partners to provide interactive educational connections with northern communities. Its VROC experts contributed STEM content, alongside class-to-class exchanges and teacher professional development.
The 2014 report describes work with Aqsarniit Middle School in Iqaluit and Deh Gah School in Fort Providence. It records 59 sessions during the September 2013–August 2014 program year. The 2015 report records that PIR’s program commitment ended on August 31, 2015 and describes the transition to TakingITGlobal.
Teacher learning
The annual report also records PIR’s designation in 2018 as Code.org’s first Canadian International Teacher Professional Development organization, extending its support for educators into computer science teaching.
Classroom connections and early initiatives
Speakers’ Bureau
One of PIR’s early activities connected researchers with schools and community groups. The supplied pamphlet describes volunteers giving talks, answering questions and contributing to educational handouts.
Reaching Every Student
The 2011 federal backgrounder describes this as a classroom videoconferencing program within VROC, connecting students in Grades 5–12 with researchers and other Canadian experts.
Mentor Me
The July 2011 VROC newsletter announces a mentoring initiative for students with an aptitude for science, matching them with experts for half a year or up to a full year.
ExpertBook
In September 2013, Waterloo reported the launch of an expert database that participating teachers could use to find researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Recorded research and career resources
PIR’s video resources also included Research Me, Science Careers Weekly and Why Math?. A May 2013 Cisco announcement identified Science Scoop, Tech Talk, Engineer This and Why Math? within VROC’s video collection.
Sources: PIR Executive Director Reports 2014 (Kevin Cougler), 2015 and 2016 (Brent Peltola); 2017 Annual Report (including 2018 updates); the Delta, Sanofi Biogenius Canada and VROC backgrounders; the historical Delta lesson collection; Dr. Ronald G. Calhoun’s supplied PIR history and the PIR pamphlet; VROC E-News, July 2011; the 2011 federal backgrounder; Waterloo’s ExpertBook report; and the 2013 Cisco announcement. Dates and descriptions refer to the historical programs.
This page records a historical PIR program. It does not offer current bookings or registration.
