I am an elementary educator for the Renfrew County District Board of Education. I have been teaching for 20 years, and enjoy teaching many subjects, but my favourite subject is SCIENCE! Engaging students in inquiry-based projects that involves hands-on learning is exciting and rewarding, and has been the cornerstone of my teaching practice since my early years as an educator. Last year, Mike Fitzmaurice, our colleague Amy Leavoy from Cobden District Public School, and I embarked on a learning journey through the Teacher Learning and Leadership Program (TLLP). This Ontario Ministry of Education initiative was a teacher-led, self directed professional learning opportunity (for more information, check out the TLLP website - http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/teacher/tllp.html) - however, it does not seem to be active in the 2018-2019 school year.
During our TLLP project last year, we explored STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and STEAM (includes the Arts), looking specifically at connecting math and science learning into engaging projects and activities. Please enjoy experimenting with some of the resources and activities we did last year and this year, and we will continue to add resources as we use them in the coming years! We have just scratched the surface; there is so much value in using STEM and STEAM projects in classrooms, and so many cool learning projects and inquiries that can be done.
We can be reached at millsg@rcdsb.on.ca or by phone at EDPS - (613) 628-2606.
Mike Fitzmaurice
Mike has been a teacher at Eganville District Public School for 15 years and has been involved in the Indigenous mathematics research project for the past seven years. Mike is passionate about teaching mathematics and has presented with our research team at the Ontario Association of Mathematics Education conference. Through the Indigenous mathematics education research project, he has had an opportunity to build relationships with Elders, artisans, and Community Members that never previously existed. Mike is passionate about bringing partnerships and authentic Indigenous ways of knowing mathematics into the In-Steam learning environment. Mike has enjoyed the In-Steam journey and working with his mad scientist partner, Gail Mills.
Nestled in beautiful Eganville, Ontario near the shores of the Bonnechere River, the school is home to 400 students from Eganville and area - including Golden Lake, Pikwakanagan, Griffith, Deacon, Foymount, and Mattawatchen.