Over the past few years, the organization Radiant Star has provided children and youth with tutoring services to help them improve their literacy and numeracy skills. During these tutoring sessions, it became evident that many of these students dislike math causing them to perform poorly in school. In the Eglinton East neighbourhood we found EQAO math scores at Grade 6 student level at 42%, which is much lower than 52% in TDSB schools boardwide. 

 

To increase exposure to applied mathematical concepts Radiant Star decided to start employing integrative STEM education. Integrative STEM education refers to technological/engineering design-based learning approaches that intentionally integrate the concepts and practices of science and/or mathematics education with the concepts practices of technology and engineering education.

 

Through STEM education we hope to assist raise students who can understand common media reports about science and technology, critically evaluate the information presented, and confidently engage in discussions and decision-making activities that involve science and technology.

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Radiant Star has piloted STEM program for middle school students in the Eglinton East neighbourhood.  We provide students with materials and guidance, and allow them to freely explore and innovate based on the chosen STEM hands-on activity. We have done several STEM activities this year including building the best ziplines and the tallest pasta towers; creating custom instruments, popsicle stick catapults, and virus and bacteria models and stop the spread campaigns; and an egg drop challenge.

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Goals​

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1. To relate science and technology to society and the environment

2. To develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry and technological problem solving 

3. To understand the basic concepts of science and technology