A program that offers science, imagination, and fun to school children has received an injection of new funds.

X-Chem’s Imperial Oil Science Outreach program is receiving $45,000 over three years from NSERC’s Promoscience Grant. The grant is used to help minimize the fees that participants pay. The grants were announced in July at Simon Fraser University.

StFX X-Chem employs eight university science students who work as leaders with the program this summer. Chemistry professor Dr. Truis Smith-Palmer was able to garner the grant.

NSERC's PromoScience program offers financial support for organizations working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science and engineering including mathematics and technology.

X-Chem has offered workshops in many schools including in Canso, Guysborough, Cape Breton, New Glasgow and Debert as well as those in Antigonish County. They have visited 43 schools and have given presentations to over 4,000 students.

This summer X-Chem camps are being offered in New Glasgow, Canso and Guysborough, and for Aboriginal students from Pictou Landing, Potlotek and Paq’ntkek. Also seven camps are being offered on campus in the chemistry department at StFX.  Experts in human kinetics, engineering, and aquatic science are busy working on activities to make sure that returning students will get to participate in different activities than they did in previous years.

This year Chemistry camps are offered for students in Grades 1 to 8. More information can be found on the Imperial Oil Science Outreach website at www.mystfx.ca/academic/chemistry/X-Chem/imp.htm