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.

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

Beginning of communication efforts regarding the project, including recording of a Learning Innovation: The Teaching and Learning Podcast Episode, sharing with additional Zone 6 school division partners and provincial partners in post-secondary education.

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)

Inform

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

Alberta-wide school divisions and trade schools
Public

Consult

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

Involve

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

Collaborate

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