Content focused on science, technology, engineering and math
June 15, 2020 4:00 p.m. Ministry of Education
TORONTO - The Ontario government, in partnership with Science North and the Ontario Science Center, is developing additional educational content for students and teachers during school closings due to the surge in COVID-19. The province will invest up to $ 1.5 million in the development of videos and resources designed in Ontario to support learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM disciplines). In line with the four science subjects in the curriculum, these resources will help students from kindergarten to the 12 th year.
"We know it is important to provide parents and educators with additional resources to ensure that students continue to participate and learn during this difficult time," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. Through our partnership with Science North and the Ontario Science Center, we will be able to develop new STEM skills resources that will help our students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. "
Science North will produce resources for elementary school teachers and students, while the Ontario Science Center will develop materials for high school students. These resources will all be available and accessible in French and English and will include:
- professional development videos for educators;
- practical STEM activities, virtual or to do at home, for students;
- student activities and worksheets for school boards to print and distribute.
"For decades, Science North and the Ontario Science Center have invited Ontario's young learners to the great world of science," said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, tourism and culture. Their hands-on, interactive learning experiences have inspired the next generation of scientists, technicians and researchers right here in Ontario. I am proud that these new online resources can support students by providing them with high quality content that allows them to continue learning at home during this unprecedented period. "
“Science North is a huge driver of education in northern Ontario. The government is therefore proud to support its work in developing virtual educational resources to help teachers and students, said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. . Northern Ontario is home to some of the brightest and most daring minds and we thank Science North for its continued commitment to inspiring creativity and promoting learning throughout this region. "
Resources are available on the Science North and Ontario Science Center websites and new content is added weekly. The activities require everyday objects and supplies so that students can easily carry them out at home.
"Science North appreciates this opportunity to support teachers and students across Ontario with high-quality STEM learning experiences led by scientists," said Guy Labine, Executive Director of Science North. These workshops and online resources will help teachers provide elementary students with research learning at home. As we all go through unprecedented times and challenges, we remain united in our goal of fostering the continuity of learning in Ontario. We congratulate the Ministry of Education for its support. "
"Our mission at the Ontario Science Center has always been to inspire discovery, encourage curiosity and instill a love of learning," said Paul Kortenaar, Executive Director of the Science Center. from Ontario. We are delighted to partner with the Ministry of Education to provide these curriculum-based resources to extend the experience we provide to teachers and students during their site visit. "
Quick facts
- Materials in French and English are regularly added to the Learn at Home portal to provide engaging new content throughout the school closure period. Currently, this portal offers 37 courses in French and 43 courses in English for high school students to review, revise and expand their knowledge as part of independent learning.
- The ministry works with all school boards in the Bandwidth Improvement Program to provide access to reliable, fast, secure and affordable Internet services for all Ontario students and educators. As of April 30, 2020, bandwidth had thus been modernized in 1,983 schools and was being modernized in 2,954 additional establishments.