The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) proudly hosted its second annual STEM Expo, bringing together more than 600 elementary students from 57 schools for an exciting two-day event at the Central Community Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Held on March 24th and 25th, the Expo marked the culmination of students’ ongoing classroom learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with an emphasis on hands-on exploration and innovation.
Since the release of the 2022 Elementary Science and Technology Curriculum, DSBN’s Curriculum Support Services (CSS) team has actively supported teachers with embedding transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, inquiry, design and innovation into their classroom instruction. To further support this work, the team created curriculum-based STEM challenges ranging from following the engineering process and 3D printing to video production and science fair projects.
Over the fall and winter months, CSS Consultants visited schools, leading lesson sequences to help students hone their STEM skills. As a result of this effort, an estimated 4,000 students and 150 teachers benefitted from this support.
Once again – after months of preparation and engagement in curriculum-based challenges with teachers – DSBN elementary students showcased their passion for STEM in a fun and friendly, challenge-driven environment. Throughout the day, the Expo buzzed with energy as students enthusiastically tackled unique challenges and explored the work of fellow competitors.
“I’ve always been interested in science and math and everything. They’ve always been the top subjects in school that I care about the most, and being able to come here and do experiments and show them off, and to look at other people’s work who love science as much as I do, it really means a lot to me,” said Grade 7 student Makenzie from John Brant Public School.
“I like doing things that involve science and figuring out how to do things; I’m happy because I was selected to be here. I think I was picked because I was trying my best at every activity at school,” said Carter, a Grade 4 student from James Morden Public School. “[The STEM Expo] is something fun to be a part of and get the opportunity to do, and you can do it with your friends and collaborate. We’ve been trading ideas, and we got to do some stuff at school, plus we were able to build something from scratch here today together, which has been really cool,” said Ryan, a Grade 8 student who attends Twenty Valley Public School.
Teachers also saw value in the experience: “The STEM Expo had a wonderful impact on my classroom, sparking curiosity and excitement among my students,” said Craig Smith, an elementary teacher at Wellington Heights Public School. “The hands-on activities inspired them to think critically, ask questions, and explore new STEM concepts with enthusiasm. I am truly grateful for these resources and the opportunity to bring the joy of STEM learning to my students.”
“Students have demonstrated incredible enthusiasm for their learning, and we are truly impressed by their hard work, collaboration, and commitment to the STEM Challenges,” said Brad Digweed, Student Achievement Leader at the DSBN. “The level of problem-solving and achievement on display was outstanding. The STEM Expo, and the classroom learning leading up to it, is helping to foster a passion for lifelong learning and inspiring a deeper interest in STEM, while also equipping students with the foundational skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.”
Grade-level technical challenges included:
Habitat Challenge (Grade 4)
Following the scientific experimentation process practiced in class, students acted as habitat experts, cycling through stations including a high-power digital microscope observation station, habitat building, Habitat Investigation (CSI style), and an adaptation experiment.
Solar Car Challenge (Grade 5)
Students had the option to either make modifications to cars built in class or create new designs to meet a variety of energy conservation challenges. They were tasked with making a sail car that could be powered by wind, an elastic car, a battery-operated car or a gravity powered car.
Electrician Challenge (Grade 6)
Following the engineering process studied in class, students experienced a day-in-the-life of an electrician, using their knowledge to wire framed half walls (similar to what is found in homes), with each 16” section offering a new wiring challenge.
Thermal Challenge (Grade 7)
Using their knowledge of heat, students created a new solar oven, as well as an insulation device that could be used to keep items hot or cold for food delivery service use.
Autonomous Car Challenge (Grade 8)
In this new event, students tested cars on a tabletop course designed to replicate a city environment, complete with roads, obstacles, and other robotic vehicles. Their challenge was to integrate sensors into the car designs, enabling them to navigate the track without a collision.
3D Printing Challenge (Grade 7/8)
In this three-part challenge, students first used 3D design software to create a plaque that would be printed for all 3D printing participants. Then, in the second event, students’ printed tools were tested in a variety of fun “minute to win it” type challenges. Finally, in the third round, students were tasked with using tools and cardboard to create a large structure.
Construction Challenge (Grade 7/8)
Using construction skills developed in class, students were challenged to build cedar mud kitchens which will be brought back to their schools’ Kindergarten play areas for hands-on use and exploration.
WeVideo Challenge (Grades 5 to 8)
In class, students learned how to use the WeVideo platform to conduct, record, and edit a variety of videos in preparation for the final challenge. At the STEM Expo, they applied these skills by gathering information and conducting interviews to answer the question, “Why is STEM important in education?”
Science Fair (Grades 5 to 8)
From conducting research and identifying variables to recording observations, interpreting data and presenting their findings, students were guided through key steps to complete an inquiry-based project. The excitement was further heightened by the knowledge that many of the winning projects would go on to compete in the Niagara Regional Science Engineering Fair.
Those interested in further pursuing STEM-related learning, activities and challenges at the secondary level are invited to explore DSBN’s various Technological Education programs and courses by visiting http://www.dsbn.org/programs-services/tech-ed.
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