Private-sector support for STEM crucial to improving scientific literacy

Students observing a 3D printer being threaded. supplied

Just over 50 per cent of Canadians believe it is important for the country to be a world leader in scientific achievements, but far fewer – only 42 per cent – think Canada is already the best in the world or even above average in its scientific achievements.

That’s a big challenge for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educators who see Canada’s young people as the key to advancing the country’s global standing as a leader in science.

Along with their attitudes towards science in general, Canadians were asked their views on STEM for a September 2020 Pew Research Center report, Science and Scientists Held in High Esteem Across Global Publics. 

Researchers found that while 49 per cent of respondents think STEM education in Canada’s universities is the best in the world or above average, for primary and secondary schools, the number fell to 36 per cent, with 60 per cent of respondents thinking the standard of STEM teaching in those institutions was average or below average.

Recognizing the growing demand for STEM skills as businesses evolve to develop and implement new technologies, the Canadian government’s STEM-focused programs aim to increase the participation in STEM through initiatives such as networking, competitions and awards, career tools and student programs. 

The government is also funding a range of STEM learning organizations such as Let’s Talk Science, a national, charitable organization that has been providing engaging, evidence-based STEM programs for more than 25 years at no cost for Canadian youth and educators. Since its inception in 1993, the organization has impacted over 9.5 million Canadian youth and educators.

Earlier this month, the government announced an investment of a further $5.9-million over five years to Let’s Talk Science.

The funding, through Environment and Climate Change Canada, will allow Let’s Talk Science to engage over 600,000 youth across Canada in climate science education and action through regional events, action projects, hands-on activities and a suite of digital resources, including career information.

The initiative, in partnership with the Royal Society of Canada, including members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, will build knowledge about climate science and a commitment to action among children and youth in Canada.

Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, president and founder of Let’s Talk Science. supplied

Bonnie Schmidt, Let’s Talk Science president and founder, says by engaging experts from science, engineering, and the humanities and social sciences, her organization will ensure that Canadian youth are inspired and equipped to examine the impacts of climate on their lives, now and in the future.

While government money currently comprises approximately half of its funding, Let’s Talk Science also relies on private-sector donors and partners to maintain and expand its programs, says Dr. Schmidt.

“Partnerships between the private sector and organizations like Let’s Talk Science are especially powerful because they leverage collective strengths and make a positive impact on youth,” she says. “For example, exposing youth to role model volunteers improves STEM understanding and significantly increases youth interest and intent to pursue STEM in high school and beyond.”

While several of the organization’s private-sector partners have been supporters for 10 years or more, there is a growing recognition by companies whose futures depend on the skills that flow from STEM that they need to foster STEM learning.

For example, last December, North Vancouver-based Seaspan Shipyards announced a three-year, $300,000 investment in Let’s Talk Science to support the roll-out of new Kindergarten to Grade 12 programming across Canada designed to educate and inspire youth about STEM careers in the marine and shipbuilding industries.

Dr. Schmidt says Seaspan’s commitment goes beyond their financial investment. 

“We will mobilize their workforce to showcase the breadth and diversity of jobs that need or benefit from STEM skills,” she adds. “Technology is transforming work so quickly that access to meaningful and diverse role models is even more important than ever to help students see the many opportunities that are available for people with STEM skills across a variety of sectors.”

Dr. Schmidt says it is also important for students to understand the relevance of their school studies and how STEM knowledge is used. 

“Partnerships with the private sector showcase relevance, and that includes highlighting challenging issues and how people are working to address them,” she says.

And some of those partnerships are long-standing, says Dr. Schmidt, noting that well before STEM became a common acronym, companies like Amgen Canada understood its importance for youth and established significant long-term partnerships with Let’s Talk Science.

STEM skills have become even more important in the face of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, which demand critical thinking, problem solving and digital literacy. 

“But more private-sector participation is needed to support STEM engagement and improve scientific literacy in Canada,” says Dr. Schmidt. “We must do everything we can to ensure all students are prepared for future work opportunities and to engage as informed citizens who can critically assess the rapid increase in disinformation about many issues, including COVID-19.”

In the meantime, she adds, Let’s Talk Science will continue to work with its partners and donors to provide educators with opportunities to discover and use effective learning strategies to develop and strengthen students’ questioning and problem-solving skills and offer experiential and digital programs that engage youth in meaningful STEM learning.

For more stories from this feature, visit globeandmail.com