STEM is an acronym that refers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The STEM@Saunders program gives highly motivated Grade 9 students the opportunity to delve into 21st Century issues outside the confines of a traditional classroom. With the guidance of qualified teachers, students will simultaneously explore related topics by examining real-world issues through interdisciplinary project-based learning; they will identify the issues and topics that matter to them, and then they will conceive, design, and build potential solutions to these challenges. Science, Technology Design, English, Mathematics and Civics & Careers will be integrated into these inquiries, allowing students to achieve 5 credits over the course of the semester.
❏ Grade 9 Science
❏ Grade 9 Math
❏ Grade 9 English
❏ Grade 10 Design Tech
❏ Grade 10 Civics (half credit)
❏ Grade 10 Careers (half credit)
Qualified teachers in these subject areas will work together to identify the principles, skills, and competencies, that are universal across their disciplines. These overlapping concepts will be taught concurrently, when possible, through project-based, discovery learning. As well, students will still have the opportunity to experience two elective credits along with their required compulsory credits.
This program offers authentic opportunities to develop critical skills for the 21st century. The integrated approach to instruction and project work provide the chance to further explore the Global Competencies that are embedded throughout Ontario Curriculum expectations and Achievement Charts for assessment.
Compelling learning opportunities and extra credit accumulation provided through the STEM program will enable students to fast track Math or Science in Grade 10. Students will be well prepared to continue on with academic Grade 10 courses upon completion of this program. Our Grade 9 STEM program will also expose students to methods and partnerships that might prepare them for careers in the following fields: Business, Design, Medical Research, Environmental Research or Engineering, Politics, Architecture, Robotics, Geo-technology, Film or Sound Production, Civil Engineering, Global Citizenship, and much more.