On Friday October 25, 2024, Grade 7-8 teachers from HPEDSB dove right into an action-packed day of learning and fun at the Minds in Motion Train the Trainer PD Day at Loyalist College. With the expert guidance of Loyalist’s facilitators, educators developed their confidence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), by building a mini-electric vehicle and crafting a hydraulic lift system.
Most importantly teachers collaborated and developed strategies to implement the science and mathematics curriculum in a hands-on way, considering how to overcome barriers in the classroom and how to develop the skills of an engineer and a scientist. There was great excitement during the final challenge in which teachers raced their electric cars and tested how big a load their hydraulic lift could hold.
Teachers will now develop these skills in their students, through lessons and use of the materials and tools from the STEM carts. STEM carts were introduced in schools with Grade 7-8 last year as an expansion of the Specialist High Skills Major program.
By developing confidence in these skills, students will be more likely to access opportunities provided by Specialist High Skills Major and see themselves as capable for opportunities provided by the skilled trades.