Science, Technology, Engineering, Math

The 2022-23 "Innovative Minds @ Heydon: Empowerment through STEM Applications" CCEL (Community Connected Experiential Learning) project connected students with a wide variety of TDSB STEM partners. Our goal was based around the idea that If students at Heydon Park (who are primarily female, non-binary, transgender) see themselves reflected in STEM industries, mentors, and practice, they will develop a positive self-construct and see themselves as meaningful creators and users of digital technology, robotics, and coding. We built on the work of last year’s Empowerment through STEM CCEL funding to create meaningful connections in the community and industry related to technology, data, algorithmic thinking, and computational skills. Students participated in unique STEM workshops with Up4 The Challenge and The Starfish to problem solve and design solutions for climate change issues. Positive STEM identities were reinforced during activities such as these, and in participating in BIPOC experiences such as the Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum. Student Mental Health and Wellbeing were supported by an engaging excursion to the Ontario Science Centre, where students participated in an interactive presentation, "The Science of Feeling Anxious." In the school, students continued their collaborative and creative work with Sphero Bolt Robots by working on projects such as calibration of the robots, using the Draw function, and creating projects of interest using Block Coding. In addition, students visited the Toronto Reference Library for an Introduction to 3D printing class, where they viewed the Digital Innovation Hub and planned projects using design software for 3D printing in their local community. We also partnered with the local business Mack House for an afternoon of shoe customization and design. Our project aimed to help our students see themselves as STEM doers in a variety of contexts. We believe this was accomplished because students are more willing to engage in new technologies, software and design applications now. Heydon students are willing to take risks with STEM-related activities, applying their creativity in individual and collaborative group settings. They now see STEM as a field that they are part of, which celebrates and welcomes a diversity of identities, and which values unique design, creation and new ideas for a more equitable world.