Welcome to STEM Resource Collection
Dear British Columbia Science Educators, Students and their Families:
In an age of abundant information, it’s important for all citizens to have a basic understanding of scientific principles and the ability to critically evaluate scientific claims. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is invaluable as it equips the young minds with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, enabling students to tackle complex challenges and make informed decisions. STEM education also drives innovation, fuels economic growth, and addresses pressing global issues, from climate change to healthcare. Moreover, it promotes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives contributes to scientific and technological advancements. In essence, STEM education empowers individuals to understand, engage with, and shape the world around them, laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous, and sustainable future. Thus, it is not surprising that British Columbians want young people to become STEM literate. However, teachers and families cannot do it alone.
We are a group of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educators from British Columbia who want to support teachers and families in educating the next generation in STEM fields. Some of us work in formal learning environments (schools, post-secondary institutions), while others work in informal settings, such as science centres, museums and organizations aimed at promoting STEM education for British Columbians.
FOR TEACHERS
You will find the resources that you will be able to use in your own lessons. You will also find organizations and opportunities that you will be able to utilize for field trips, informal learning opportunities, or even guest visits to your schools.
FOR STUDENTS
You will be able to do some of the activities on your own, as well as use them as part of your STEM projects or other school activities. We also hope that you will take advantage of informal learning opportunities offered in this resource collection.
FOR FAMILIES
We hope that you will be able to take advantage of this resource to support your own children in becoming excited about STEM education. You hope this collection will make you aware of the resources that might be available in your own community.
We hope this collection will help you extend the STEM education horizons for British Columbians and make them aware of the resources available in our province. While many of these resources will be of relevant to STEM educators and families around the world, we also wanted to draw attention to STEM education connections to our own province of British Columbia. We hope that this collection will open doors to new opportunities available to all British Columbians and their families.