Profile: Patti Leigh

It’s that “aha moment” – the look on a child’s face that says, “I get it, I really get it!” that has propelled Patti Leigh to pursue science education for the past 28 years. Her path has not been that of a traditional educator, although that is indeed how it all began.

It started in the classroom where she taught grades K to 7, specializing in math, science, and physical education – after all science and sports were her greatest interests in life. However, in the early 1980s a friend put her in touch with the Executive Director of the Youth Science Foundation in Ottawa. He wanted to expand the science fair program in BC.

Recognizing the value of hands-on-science and the opportunity to help young people expand their knowledge while building self-confidence, Leigh accepted the challenge.

“There were other science fairs going on in BC at the time,” she explains. “But they were occurring in isolation with no connectivity to each other or to a larger provincial or national program. I wanted to provide regional representatives with an opportunity to participate in the nation wide competition.” This coordinated approach encourages success and expertise in all areas of the province and allows students to travel to national competitions and meet others who share similar interests and passions across the country.

Working towards a focussed goal Patti Leigh and a host of other supporters and volunteers over the years, have built the Science Fair Foundation of BC into what it is today. It has grown to 14 regions, including support of Aboriginal communities, but she is not done.

Her ultimate goal is to have the Ministry of Education provide accreditation for science project work in grades 11 and 12. “Students are putting in 300 plus hours on their science projects when they compete at the national level,” she explains. They are doing this in addition to their regular science course requirements and Leigh believes they should earn course credits for this calibre of work.

She aspires for teachers to understand the value and benefits of science fair project work. “I want teachers to recognize their project work can help them meet the curriculum and learning requirements – as enrichment not as more work.”

When probed about the future of science education outreach in BC, she is adamant that collaboration is paramount.

Her commitment is unfailing. When asked why she has taken on this role in addition to other professional pursuits and family responsibilities her response is immediate. “I have a personal passion to support science learning and encourage students to be engaged and to succeed. To have young people feel accepted and capable is very rewarding.”

The woman is tireless and yet so seemingly enriched, “I have enjoyed what I have done this far and I feel satisfied,” she smiles. There is no doubt, countless youth, parents and teachers across BC feel more enriched as well.

Genome BC’s Signals Fall 2009