IN: STEM projects

STEM Projects

A partnership between Lethbridge College Center for Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Lethbridge College Center for Trades, and Westwind School Division to promote authentic learning experiences in K–12 STEM subjects.

Overview

The STEM projects’ driving goal is to tap into the amazing real-world application of trade tools and theory to provide learners with context for learning topics in science and mathematics. This project fosters collaboration among K–12 teachers, Lethbridge College instructors, and industry to design and develop authentic learning opportunities for students in K–12 STEM subjects.

Goals:

  • Build awareness among K–12 students and teachers regarding the value and desirability of careers in the skilled trades
  • Identify connections between Alberta K–12 Mathematics curriculum and LC trades curriculum
  • Engage industry in bridging the gap between K–12 and post-secondary learning experiences
  • Provide teachers with resources to support authentic learning in STEM subjects
  • Increase student success in trades programs
  • Increase the number of skilled tradespeople in Alberta

Timeline

Read through the timeline by clicking on each point.
November 2020
December 2020
March 2021
March 2022
May 2022 - Feb 2023
Fall 2022
February 2023
Feb 2023 - Feb 2024
Project Launch
  • Westwind School Division Teacher Warren Anderson and Sheldon Anderson, Dean of Trades at Lethbridge College identify the opportunity to collaborate on the development of authentic learning experiences for K–12 STEM subjects, and involve Joelle Reynolds, Learning Experience Designer in the Lethbridge College Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation (CTLI) to support development of the project.
  • Objectives for this work and an initial project brief with phases is developed.
Engagement
  • Consultations begin with Westwind teachers in K–12 Math and Science subjects and Lethbridge College instructors with the goal of identifying curriculum alignments to the Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry and Automotive Service Technician Trades.
Project Planning
  • To narrow the focus and foster development of some initial prototypes with the intention of expanding to other trades in the future, the Automotive Service Technician trade is selected to further identify curriculum alignments to K–12 Science and Math subjects.
Ideation
  • Collaboration sessions are facilitated between AST instructors, Westwind School Division teachers, and CTLI staff to ideate on potential resources to be developed.
Communications
Rapid Prototyping Cycles
Prototypes are actively being developed for the first phase of deliverables:
  • Curriculum crossover documents between the automotive service tech trade and K-12 STEM subjects
  • Learning Kits (physical kits) and accompanying activity recommendations
  • Guest Speaker directory
  • Video library featuring trades instructors and teachers collaborating to demonstrate STEM topics
Communication
  • Case Study development will generate more materials to support communications about the project
Development
  • Teacher’s Convention Experience Development – we intend to develop an on-campus, HANDS ON experience for teachers to learn more about trades and the K-12 STEM project
Delivery
Phase 1 Deliverable Milestone will result in the completion of several assets:
  • Teachers Professional Development /Teacher’s Convention Experience
  • Launch of all Phase 1 resources
Expansion and Iteration
  • Development of additional phase 1 resources, with a focus on trades other than Automotive Service Technician.
  • Prototypes for additional deliverables:
    • Tools of the Trade Activities
    • Demo Instructions and Activities
    • 3D Printing file share and Activities
  • Expanded SATC Teachers Convention PD opportunity
  • On-campus or virtual exploratory learning opportunities

Deliverables

  • Identified curriculum alignments between trades and K–12 STEM subjects
  • A variety of authentic learning experiences and resources for use by K–12 teachers
  • Case study for dissemination of information

Glossary

STEM – an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math.

 

Alignments

CTLI Strategic Innovation Model

Connecting Our Communities

  • Increase leadership capacity within post-secondary teaching and learning networks both provincially and nationally

 People, Culture and Human Potential

  • Design and deliver tools, resources, and experiences that lead to learner success

Innovation in Teaching and Learning

  • Support meaningful innovation in our learning communities by both encouraging experimentation and removing barriers
  • Develop systems, processes and resources that will position Lethbridge College as the leader in experiential learning and flexible delivery

Skills for Jobs Task Force

The Skills for Jobs task force recommends increasing K–12 students’ knowledge of the different types of apprenticeships offered in the province, including the kinds of careers students can enter and how they can get there. This can be done, in part, by discussing trades opportunities in classrooms and bringing industry members into K–12 classrooms for discussions and activities that will help students learn about trades apprenticeships and careers.

Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs Objectives

The Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs initiative involves government working with educators, post-secondary institutions, and industry members to develop strategies that will benefit workers and the provincial labour market.

This project will help meet these objectives by giving students the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their post-secondary education; increase apprenticeships in the careers and trades of the future; and create a strong partnership between employers, industry, and post-secondary institutions within the province.

Engagement

We believe that meaningful stakeholder engagement is essential to any good initiative. Below is a list of engaged stakeholders. (Classification based on CTLI engagement framework and IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum)

Our promise: We will keep you informed about the project and decisions that are made.

 

  • Alberta-wide school divisions and trade schools
  • Public

Our promise: We will consult with you to ensure your viewpoint is heard and considered when making decisions. We will communicate how this input and feedback influenced the decisions made.

 

  • Rob Doig – Assistant Superintendent, Learning Services, Westwind School Division
  • Todd Heggie – Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Westwind School Division

Our promise: We will work directly with you to ensure your viewpoints and concerns are reflected in the decisions made.

 

  • Kelsey Janzen – Coordinator, LC Studio
  • Michael Bandstra – Media Specialist, LC Studio
  • Eric Reger – Media Specialist, LC Studio

Our promise: We will partner directly with you throughout the project and decision making process. We will create joint solutions or recommendations.

 

  • Warren Anderson – Lead Teacher Representative, Westwind School Division
  • Sheldon Anderson – Dean of Trades, Lethbridge College
  • Kevin Wiber – Associate Dean, CTRA
  • Joelle Reynolds – Emerging Learning Models lead, CTLI
  • Brianne Hutchinson – Instructional Designer, CTLI
  • Kiri Stolz – Media Specialist, LC Studio
  • Westwind School Division Teachers: Craig Noad, Mark Iwassa, Curtis Leishman, Jared Leavitt, Rob Hill, Josh Sherwood, Layne Barnett, Erick Stewart
  • Automotive Service Technician instructors: Jared Tymburski, Mike Darlow, Brian Sorensen, Dave Cole, Dave Daniels, Eric Mitchell, Justin Romeril, Walter Michel, Tim Fyfe, Colin Skulmoski, Rob Lindhout

Our promise: We will abide by the decisions you make.

 

  • K–12 teachers and students
  • Lethbridge College prospective students