How Hands-on Learning Can Spark a Love of Engineering
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are critical for Canada’s economic prosperity and global sustainability. While the value of STEM might not be immediately obvious, it actually helps us understand — and shape — our daily lives.
In Canada, the demand for jobs that require a background in STEM has already exceeded the talent supply. But it’s not just jobs in technology or health care that require STEM skills. “Meaningful STEM engagement helps young people become analytical, creative, curious and critical thinkers who are able to make connections,” explains Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science. “That’s an asset to every job.”
Long-time Let’s Talk Science engineering partner, 3M Canada believes STEM education equips students for the challenges that face them in this rapidly changing world. “Whether chemists, coders, engineers or data scientists, 3M employees regularly have to solve problems, think critically, analyze data, and work together,” says Richard Chartrand, Country Laboratory Leader at 3M Canada. “These skill sets are hallmarks of a STEM education and the ones needed to put a brighter future within reach for all Canadians.”
Building a foundation of innovation
Children are natural, curious learners and there is something inspiring about the way they explore and discover the world. They have an innate desire to gather information, explore everything, and test theory after theory. Through unique programs that promote inquirybased learning, Let’s Talk Science uses STEM to support critical skill development and inspires children and youth to think about their futures.
For example, the Let’s Talk Science Challenge exposes students in grades six to eight to engineers and gives them the opportunity to test their skills as a team in an engineering design challenge. Let’s Talk Science is determined to help youth understand the importance and relevance of STEM in their lives, especially when it comes to engineering their future. Having this unique approach to learning is building a foundation for future engineers.
“Howdo we build new companies, solve new problems, or change social systems? It begins with creating a culture of curiosity so that people are intrinsically driven to make life better,” Dr. Schmidt explains. “And making life better — and safer — is really what engineering is all about.”