STEM Activity Developer

About the Position

Position Profile

Imhotep’s Legacy Academy is a university-community initiative that seeks to improve the academic performance of African Canadians in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) subjects and the representation of African Canadians in STEM professions by providing opportunities for young learners to engage in activities that strengthen their science and math aptitude.

Essential Position Functions

Grades 6 to 9 teaching modules, Activities for special projects (14 wks) In order to maintain the quality, consistency, and reach of ILA’s science activities a student will be hired to research and develop new instruction modules and experiment demonstrations. The activities to be developed will center on a theme relevant to specific ILA projects, for example: clean technologies, 3D-printing, activities for the STEM Quiz Tournament (gr. 6-12), etc.

Reporting to Program Director, this will involve consultation with ILA’s Assisting Professors, researching the provincial Gr. 6 to 9 school curricula in sciences and technology, selecting and testing appropriate experiments and science exercises for this age group and devising creative and fun ways to convey STEM concepts to students that will facilitate their understanding. The student will create “experiment bins” with materials and devices required to conduct selected science experiments, document activity plans, and potentially update the STEM Quiz Reference Manual. The student will also participate in the delivery of STEM activities.

Principal Accountabilities

• Read and research provincial secondary school mathematics, science, and technology curricula.
• Research and develop engineering, science, math or custom 3D-printing activities appropriate to the grade level.
• Prepare ‘materials’ bins with required materials for experiments and activities developed.
• Research the contributions of scientists/inventors of African heritage.
• Review of existing activity plans and update for accuracy, relevancy, and completeness.
• Conduct activities and communicate information in a way that inspires interest in scientific inquiry and STEM topics.

Supervision and Mentoring Plans

• Student will be provided with a list of duties to be completed by the end of the work term. The Program Director will meet with the student on a weekly basis to gauge progress and to clarify/resolve issues.

Core Competencies

• STEM research background
• Technical acuity
• STEM activity development experience an asset
• Excellent instructional writing and oral communication
• Teamwork

Learning Outcomes

• Student will learn to apply his/her STEM education to the development of teaching modules.

Qualifications

• Must be a student registered in a university Co-op program.
• Aptitude in at least one STEM subject/field of study: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Computer Science, etc.
• Strong research skills.
• Experience conducting experiments and/or assembling technological devices.
• Ability to relay complicated STEM information in simple terms suited to the Gr. 6-9 level.
• Self-motivated, independent, able to set objectives and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of ‘African’ STEM inventors/innovators will be considered an asset.
• Experience with quality control processes will be considered an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience and interest in issues affecting the education of learners of African heritage.

Condition(s) Offer of employment is contingent upon the successful candidate passing appropriate background checks. Candidates must provide a recent Criminal (Vulnerable Sector) Background Check and Child Abuse Register Check.

Period of employment

This is an expected Monday - Friday position with a one-hour (unpaid) lunch break. The selected worker must be able to accommodate flexible working hours as there may be work requirements outside regular business hours. The work schedule will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate this requirement as no overtime is available for this position.

About the Company

Imhotep's Legacy Academy
1360 Barrington Street, Rm J134, Main Level, Sexton Gymnasium Memorial Building
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2

Company Contact

Tehya Benjamin
ilaprg@dal.ca
Preferred Contact: Email

Documents to be Forwarded

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Transcripts