Greencoats Meet Bluecoats – Lockerby students STEP into role as science communicators

When Lockerby Composite School Science and Technology Education Program students STEP into the role of science communicators, the Science North Bluecoats will serve as mentors and models for the Lockerby Greencoats.

Greencoats Meet Bluecoats is an innovative collaboration bringing public education and science education together to give Grade 10 Lockerby STEP students an enriching STEP Integration Day.

“Integration Days are a highlight of our year-long schooling model in our revitalized Science Technology Education Program,” said Lockerby Composite School Principal Ryan Lafraniere. “During Integration Days, students participate in community mentorships and experiential learning opportunities, while allowing students to work collaboratively as they build their technological skills, learn about the engineering design process, enhance their science communication skills, and investigate local issues.”

“This collaboration reflects the power of hands-on, real-world learning. By connecting students with our Bluecoats, we’re helping young people build confidence as science communicators while inspiring the next generation of curious minds,” said Science North CEO Ashley Larose. “It’s a meaningful way to bring science to life and strengthen connections within our community.”

The two-day initiative kicks off on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Science North.

On May 6th, Grade 10 STEP students will participate in a half-day Science Communication 101 workshop in the Vale Cavern. They will explore what science communication is, why it matters, and how they will use these skills for ‘Lockerby STEP Greencoats Meet Science North Bluecoats Day’.

Lockerby students will receive presentation tips, participate in hands-on communication challenges, and learn about tailoring messages for different audiences. Together, Lockerby students will learn how to teach and communicate science to Grade 8 students from nearby elementary schools for the official Greencoats Meet Bluecoats Day. Their goal is to build a cohesive scavenger hunt and tour narrative (across all Science North floors) that is engaging, age appropriate, and interactive for young scientists.

Greencoats Meet Bluecoats Day takes place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Science North.

When Grade 8 students from Alexander Public School, Copper Cliff Public School, MacLeod Public School, and Princess Anne Public School arrive for the inaugural day, Grade 10 STEP students will run an icebreaker before guiding their elementary school groups through the tours they created. Groups will rotate through two time slots. Each 45-minute tour will end with a strand-specific task that will be administered to reinforce and consolidate learning, while encouraging teamwork.

Supported by the Science North Bluecoats around the science centre, more than 100 Lockerby STEP Greencoats will be mentoring over 150 Grade 8 students from Rainbow Schools.

“We are grateful to Science North for recognizing the value of this unique opportunity for our students as part of the revitalized STEP experience,” said Lockerby Composite School Principal Ryan Lafraniere. “Our program has been restructured and reimagined to keep pace with the latest trends in science and technology. In our enriched learning model, students collaborate with community partners in real-life settings, making the learning relevant and dynamic.”

He added: “We are fortunate to have Science North in our backyard. What a wonderful opportunity for students to bring science to everyday life in one of Canada’s premier science destinations. We are grateful to the Bluecoats for mentoring our Greencoats.”

AGENDA
MAY 12, 2026
Greencoats Meet Bluecoats Day at Science North

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.