STEM and the Future of Science
As one of CDS’s four new courses this year, STEM and the Future of Science is a project-based, interdisciplinary course for Grade 12 students. Students in STEM are examining a variety of contemporary issues and topics from an integrated, scientific approach with particular focus on STEM topics (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
The course is taught collaboratively by three teachers, each with their own diverse backgrounds in STEM-related fields: Ms. Costanzo, Mr. Mejia, and Mr. Simmonds. The team-teaching approach fosters creative collaboration, and models that same process for the students. “Students are developing their collaboration skills by working in research-based teams to develop solutions to interdisciplinary problems. These skills are excellent preparation for possible future experiences in graduate studies, postgraduate studies, or any interdisciplinary field,” described Mr. Mejia.
Likewise for the learners: the 20 students in the class each contribute their own diverse ideas and experiences to the class community. Regardless of their own preferred area(s) of scientific focus, students collaborate across disciplines and apply their own strengths to contribute to the group as a whole. Much of the content of the course is student-driven, explained Ms. Costanzo: “Students in STEM are encouraged to engage both their curiosities and their passions. Taking the ideas from class and applying them to their own topics and projects, students feel that they can continue their own exploration outside of the classroom.”
Mia Sung ‘23 had this to say: “This course allows students to break free from the traditional structure of teaching and allows us to pursue our own interests in the STEM disciplines in a way that is more student-led. We have open conversations with our teachers that give way for us to share our thoughts, which have helped me better synthesize my learning.”
The first project, Planet Potential, required students to research the properties of exoplanets and, in doing so, assess their potential habitability to support life as we know it. An exoplanet (or an extrasolar planet) is a planet outside our Solar System. To present their work, student deliverables included posters on display around the classroom and slideshow presentations shared in small groups via seminar-type conferences.
Project 2 is already underway, and focuses on Missions to Mars, including space tourism and future dreams of human life on Mars. As well as the technical aspects of such a journey, the class also will host discussions around the ethics of sending humans to a planet that has a hostile environment for life. Project 3 will address the Chaos and Climate: the dynamics of multi-variable chaotic systems, why global warming makes the weather less predictable, and the connections between climate science and innovative energy resources. The final project will allow students to choose their own area of interest and research.
This is how Luca Fazzari ‘23 describes the course: “STEM is all about balance. Since the course is very self-directed, you as an individual become exposed to valuable, yet different experiences.” Mr. Simmonds continued in the same vein: “Engaging together on interdisciplinary projects allows everyone in the learning community - both students and teachers - to contribute to the whole. In this way, we are building something together that is greater than any of us could achieve in isolation.”
Education with balance, indeed.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
