Each of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories has sole authority for education. Canada does not have a national or federal ministry or department of education. Through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), provinces and territories exchange information and engage in discussions on matters of shared concern. The provinces and territories’ ministers in charge of education and higher education come together in the CMEC, an intergovernmental forum. Pan-Canadian work at the early learning, primary, secondary, and postsecondary levels, as well as adult learning, is coordinated by the council.
ICT and education technology do not have a national or pan-Canadian definition. In their policies, rules, programs, and regulations, a number of Canadian provinces do define terms related to education technology.
STEM Education and Sustainability in Canada and the United States
STEM education gives students the chance to cultivate skills that are becoming more and more crucial, such teamwork, communication, and sophisticated problem solving. Learning technologies affect students’ learning and engagement in STEM topics in a number of ways. The various skills and practices made possible by various technologies (such as online interactive learning, simulation, augmented and virtual reality, and digital gaming) are discussed in this chapter, along with the degree to which they encourage students to think critically about difficult ideas in order to gain a thorough understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math. Enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education also requires the integration and efficient use of technology.
What is STEAM?
Teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the K–12 educational system in Canada has grown in importance for both the federal and provincial governments. Despite this, research indicates that Canada is falling behind the top five STEM innovator nations because there is an imbalance between the number of STEM-related employment being created and the number of competent workers available for these positions [1].
This imbalance has been attributed by a number of authors to the Canadian educational system’s failure to engage children in STEM-related courses from a young age [2, 3]. Furthermore, although though STEM is a topic that is frequently discussed in the literature, many studies do not specifically address each of the acronym’s subjects.
This imbalance has been attributed by a number of authors to the Canadian educational system’s failure to engage children in STEM-related courses from a young age [2, 3]. Furthermore, although though STEM is a topic that is frequently discussed in the literature, many studies do not specifically address each of the acronym’s subjects. In particular, little research has been done on how the “E” (engineering) is integrated into the Canadian K–12 curriculum.
The purpose of this report is to examine current engineering-related K-12 initiatives throughout Canada
and ways in which STEM education has incorporated engineering concepts and to provide strategic
direction to move K-12 engagement in engineering forward.
STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving.
Who personifies STEAM?
“…the two people who probably personify STEAM are the Renaissance figures Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Allthough these fierce competitors were known more as painters and sculptors, they were also renowned as inventors, engineers, and scientists. For example, da Vinci conceptualized the helicopter and battle tank and made important discoveries in anatomy, hydrodynamics, and optics. Michelangelo also worked as an architect and engineer, designing the large dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. These men saw no boundaries between the arts and sciences.”
Introduction
STEM education is the cross-curricular study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and the application of those subjects in real-world contexts. As students engage in STEM education, they develop the transferable skills that they need to meet the demands of today’s global economy and society, and to become scientifically and technologically literate citizens.
STEM education helps students develop an understanding and appreciation of each of the core subjects of science, technology, and mathematics. At the same time, it supports a more holistic understanding and application of skills and knowledge related to engineering design and innovation. STEM learning integrates and applies concepts, processes, and ways of thinking associated with these subjects to enable students to design economical, ethical, innovative, and sustainable solutions to technical and complex real-world problems.
Skills developed through STEM education include computational thinking, coding, innovation, and scientific and engineering design. These skills are in high demand in today’s globally connected world, as advancements in science and technology continue to impact all areas of our lives, and they form a critical component of the science and technology curriculum. Students use an engineering design process and associated skills to design, build, and test devices, models, structures, and systems, and they write and execute code in investigations and when modelling concepts.
Approaches to STEM education may vary across Ontario schools. STEM-related subjects may be taught separately, but cross-curricular connections should form a part of student learning. Strand A of the science and technology curriculum focuses on the STEM skills and connections that frame learning in the other four strands: Life Systems, Matter and Energy, Structures and Mechanisms, and Earth and Space Systems. Strand A also provides opportunities for critical cross-curricular learning as students consider the connections between science and technology and other subject areas.
Classroom activities focused on solving real-world problems and on understanding practical applications of concepts can combine components from two or more STEM-related subjects and can include contexts related to the student’s home and community or to various occupations, including the skilled trades. The integration of a number of STEM-related subjects can reinforce students’ understanding of each subject and of the interrelationships among them.
Curriculum expectations related to exploring Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing can create opportunities for inclusive and impactful integrative studies. Diverse perspectives engage students in a variety of creative and critical thinking processes that are essential for developing innovative, ethical, and effective solutions to societal and environmental problems.
The themes and components of STEM education are woven throughout the science and technology curriculum to ensure that Ontario educators and students become innovators and leaders for ethical and sustainable change in society and the workforce, and to create opportunities in our diverse communities to foster integrative thinking and problem solving. The curriculum also supports the development of scientific and technological literacy in students, enabling them to better appreciate, understand, and navigate the world in which they live.
The term “STEM education” refers to teaching and learning in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; typically including educational activities across all grade levels, from pre-school to post-doctorate, and in both formal and informal classroom settings (Gonzalez & Kuenzi, 2012). Policymakers and educational researchers worldwide, increasingly focus on ensuring student’s persistence and success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) (Skinner, Saxton, Currie & Shusterman, 2017) and student’s preparation for the labour market in which STEM takes a prominent place (World Economic Forum, 2017). However, many education systems today do not engage students adequately as they are based on educational models introduced over a century ago. For instance, most STEM education in primary and secondary schools focuses on theory rather than on application and experiential learning and is taught in a way that reinforces a disconnect between the different STEM disciplines (Nadelson & Seifert, 2017; WEF, 2017). As engaging students in STEM is an urgent need in society, it is important to investigate how technological advancements can foster and promote student engagement towards STEM. This chapter explores research specific to enhancing STEM learning through technology.
Background Information
The integration of technology in teaching and learning is vital to improving curriculum and student outcomes. Not only can technology facilitate creative, flexible and purposeful thinking and knowledge construction within the classroom, it also extends the “reach” of educational opportunities for students. With the rapid development of information and communication technology, educators and researchers increasingly highlight the potential merits of using educational technology to improve STEM learning outcomes. In this chapter, we examine the role of educational technologies, such as online interactive learning environments, simulation, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and digital gaming, in STEM education. The benefits of such technologies in STEM subjects are noted throughout the literature. The implementation of their use is evolving. Some of the hindrances to their incorporation into the total spectrum of best practices for learning are: the cost of the technology, thus insufficient hardware and software, the unwillingness of some educators to try new pedagogical techniques, and the lack of educator training (Hyatt et al., 2013)
Online Interactive Learning
Online learning has become an instrumental way to broaden STEM education’s reach and deepen student’s understanding. The STEM education community, where innovation and hands-on learning experiences are critical, often finds itself at the exciting crossroads of traditional and online learning (Bossi 2018). As online learning continues to change the face of education, those of us at this intersection have a tremendous opportunity to embrace digital advancements and, ultimately, enhance traditional classroom environments and hands-on programs for our students. Technology companies like Google have played an integral part in making online learning part of traditional K-12 classrooms. More than 10 years ago, Google introduced its online learning platform, G Suite for Education, to provide students and teachers a simple and secure way to share documents and other innovative capabilities (Bossi 2018). Their easy-to-use technology has completely changed the way teachers and students communicate and collaborate with each other.
Tools for teaching STEM subjects range from broadly applicable classroom technologies to specialized tools designed specifically for STEM education. Here’s an overview of some technologies that enhance learning and engagement, helping students develop critical skills:
Interactive whiteboards
Interactive whiteboards make learning more interactive and engaging, supporting personalized and collaborative education. They enhance student-centered learning by allowing students to share screens, work on projects, and participate in educational activities. Teachers gain flexibility to incorporate multimedia content, boosting engagement and learning outcomes.6
Data Analysis Tools
Data analysis tools are essential for developing students’ analytical and creative thinking skills, which are foundational for success.1 Teachers can integrate data science into lesson plans across subjects and grade levels, incorporating technology into different experiential learning activities. Free and paid tools are available, including spreadsheet programs, data visualization, programming, and online data sources.
Spreadsheet software: a foundational tool for organizing, manipulating and visualizing data. Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and Apple Numbers are versatile, easy to learn, and offer a strong foundation for data analysis.
Data visualization tools: help identify patterns and trends and facilitate data storytelling. CODAP is a free online data analysis platform for education from the Concord Consortium. Tableau also offers a limited free version of its powerful visualization platform.
Programming languages: facilitate advanced data analysis and manipulation. Python and R can be introduced to students in higher grade levels.
Online data platforms: allow students to explore and analyze real-world data sets. Kaggle and data.gov are two examples.
Coding Platforms
Teaching coding provides numerous educational benefits. It enhances problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. Students learn to understand computer processes, which complements their ability to use applications effectively. Coding also helps develop attention to detail, logical thinking, persistence, and collaborative skills. It encourages students to construct, hypothesize, explore, and experiment independently, fostering their natural drive to learn.7
Various coding tools cater to beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners, offering instruction and practice through games and practical applications. Coding platforms enhance students’ literacy, logic, and iteration skills.8
Younger students often start with block-based coding tools, where coding language is embedded in drag-and-drop blocks that snap together. Code.org, Scratch, Kodable, Microsoft MakeCode Arcade, and Tynker all offer tools for beginning instruction. Code.org, MakeCode Arcade and Scratch are free tools.9
Code.org and MakeCode Arcade also support more advanced coding education. Other free apps include EarSketch for making music and Autodesk Tinkercad for computer-aided design.10
Simulation Software
Simulation software offers interactive and practical ways to understand complex concepts, making learning more engaging and effective. It provides a safe space for students to experiment and learn from mistakes, fostering critical thinking and resilience. Simulations replicate real-life scenarios, making learning relevant and impactful, allowing continuous practice, and promoting deep understanding. In school laboratories, simulations enhance science education by enabling virtual experiments. Teachers can use simulations for accurate assessments and early detection of learning issues, facilitating personalized support.11
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
AR and VR technologies can offer students immersive, participatory STEM learning experiences adaptable to subjects and grade levels. Applications for augmented reality tools such as Wakelet, Merge Edu, and CleverBooks Augmented Classroom range from virtual field trips to explorations of the solar system, the human body or the chemical composition of a substance.12
In addition to creating a vivid educational experience, an AR platform can help you differentiate instruction for diverse student learning styles. AR and VR also offer the opportunity to create virtual communities where students can work collaboratively to solve problems, share ideas and develop projects.13
3D Printing
3D printing enhances student engagement by transforming theoretical concepts into physical objects, which is especially helpful to tactile and kinesthetic learners. 3D printing also helps students acquire technical skills such as CAD modeling, used in various professional fields. Additionally, 3D printing fosters essential soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, as students often collaborate on design and printing tasks. Using bio-based materials like PLA can make 3D printing safer and more affordable.14
Robotics Kits for STEM Education
Robotics kits provide versatile tools for teaching STEM subjects across various grade levels. These kits help students develop critical skills such as engineering design, programming, problem-solving, collaboration, and project management.15
In elementary school, kits from LEGO and Bee-Bot introduce basic engineering and coding skills through hands-on activities that connect to math and science. Students can build robots to visualize story characters or solve mathematical problems, fostering early STEM engagement.16
More advanced kits from Lego, Sphero, Ozobot, and Vex Robotics offer a deeper exploration of engineering and programming concepts for middle and high school students. Students design, build, and program robots to investigate scientific solutions, perform collaborative tasks, and compete in challenges, applying their physics, algebra, and computer science knowledge.15
Other Digital Resources for STEM Education
In addition to the tools discussed here, digital resources for teaching STEM skills include digital textbooks, educational apps, and e-learning platforms.
Digital textbooks and online resources provide up-to-date and accessible STEM content, enhancing learning and making information readily available to students and educators.
Educational apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Wolfram Alpha support STEM learning. Khan Academy offers free online tools, video lessons, practice exercises, and an AI-powered teaching assistant. Duolingo provides free, gamified language instruction, while Wolfram Alpha uses AI to answer factual questions and provide visualizations.
Tech-Enhanced STEM Learning Strategies
The STEM education technology discussed here supports effective learning strategies, including project-based learning, gamification, and personalization. Tools such as simulation software and coding platforms support project-based learning and actively involve students in the learning process. In turn, this fosters critical thinking and problem-solving.11 AR and VR enhance gamification strategies, which make learning immersive and engaging.17 Personalized learning is supported through adaptive learning technologies and digital resources, addressing diverse student needs.
Master STEM Tools with the University of Iowa
Incorporating technology in STEM education fosters engaging, personalized learning experiences by making learning activities interactive and encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. Combining these tools with gamification and project-based learning strategies can help you better prepare your students for success in STEM fields and our technology-driven world.
Learn more about how you can engage students and support their success in the affordable University of Iowa Online Master of Science in STEM Education. The innovative curriculum will help you develop the research and pedagogical competencies to teach your students the problem-solving and innovation skills to succeed in today’s world. Keep teaching while you learn and complete your degree with a part-time course load in as few as two years. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more.