(STEM)2 S9E6 Multicultural Inclusion and Decolonizing Island STEAM Education

(STEM)2 S9E6 Multicultural Inclusion and Decolonizing Island STEAM Education

Series 9 Episode 6 : Multicultural Inclusion and Decolonizing Island STEAM  —  In the final episode of the summer Island STEAM we are exploring the importance of multicultural inclusion in Island STEAM that also decolonizes teaching and learning processes. More specifically we will be looking at how the sheer cultural and linguistic diversities existing in island communities around the world require educational process that acknowledge the complex educational and colonial histories existing in many of the world’s inhabited worlds today. Like previous episodes in this series, place-based learning that also centres on the cultural practices, perspectives and histories of the world’s diverse communities as it relates to STEAM education requires more collaborative, culturally centred and decolonizing educational practices in teaching and learning that not only benefits our students but the surrounding communities and society as well. In the news we look at island statistics, the impact of colonization on islands and indigenous tourism on Vancouver Island. Math Link: How many islands are there in the world? [https://worldpopulationreview.com/metrics/how-many-islands-are-there-in-the-world]  Education Link: How colonialism still shapes extinctions today, from species losses to disappearing languages.  [https://phys.org/news/2026-04-colonialism-extinctions-today-island-species.html] News Link: 5 Indigenous Tours on Vancouver Island [https://travel.destinationcanada.com/en-au/things-to-do/indigenous-tours-on-vancouver-island]

(STEM)2 S9E5 Bonus Episode - - Who were the ten most influential scientists of the past 250 years?

In this bonus episode we journey through the remarkable history of science by exploring the lives and discoveries of ten of the most influential scientists of the past 250 years. From Albert Einstein's revolutionary theories of relativity and Charles Darwin's explanation of evolution to Marie Curie's pioneering work on radioactivity and Alan Turing's foundations of modern computing, we examine how these extraordinary thinkers transformed our understanding of the natural world and forever changed human society. Along the way, we uncover the stories behind their groundbreaking discoveries, the challenges they overcame, and the lasting impact their work continues to have on medicine, technology, communication, and everyday life. Whether you're a lifelong science enthusiast, an educator, or simply curious about the people who shaped our modern world, this episode offers an inspiring look at the history of scientific discovery and the power of curiosity to change the future.

Series 9 Episode 4: Island STEAM - Protecting the Past and Fostering the Future in Art and Culture

Series 9 Episode 4: Island STEAM - Protecting the Past and Fostering the Future in Art and Culture —  In fourth episode we are examining aesthetics and art-based education in island STEAM. More specifically we will be looking at how the worlds thousands of uninhabited and inhabited islands provide a rich natural and cultural mosaic of curiosity and arts-based inspiration connected to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Lessons and activities tied to place-based learning that includes activities, themes, and units connected to the world’s diverse islands enriches learning for all students through the infusion of drawing, journaling, poetry, music and other forms of visual performance. The news in this episode explores how islands around the world are using STEAM to protect and preserve historic and cultural sites from ocean level rise. We also discuss New Zealand’s earth science explorations of how the arts weaves into the sciences and look at the value of nature journaling for students of all ages.

Series 9 Episode 3: Island STEAM - Engineering & 3D Island Building Activities for Students

Series 9 Episode 3: Island STEAM - Engineering and Ecology that Includes 3D Island Building Activities for Students —  In the third episode of our Island STEAM series we explore 3D island modelling and building can enhance students understanding of science and engineers in ways that particularly benefit our visually exceptional learners. Like information presented in previous episodes, the physical construction of islands can be deeply steeped in place-based learning and direct observation of arctic, temperate, tropical, desert and/or volcanic islands as an individual/class based learning activity that can be shared with the rest of your school and families at STEAM nights. In the news we look at the engineering of artificial reef building in Malaysia and geothermal partnerships between Island and Columbia. We have included a link to a middle school island building activity as well for educators wanting to see and example of how 3D island building might be incorporated into the classroom.

(STEM)2 S9E2 Island STEAM - How Arctic, Desert and Tropical Islands are Utilizing Science and Technology in Schools and Society

In the second episode of our Island STEAM series we explore how science and technology are utilized in helping islands adapt to the technological and environmental challenges posed by climate change explored in our first episode. More specifically we look at how Greenland is using long range drones to document receding ice pack and how small Pacific Island nations and the Canary Islands are integrating renewable energy systems to build more resilient energy and water purification systems. Each of these examples illuminates just one of thousands of ways diverse island communities are adapting in the 21st century that can also be utilized in teaching and learning activities. (Coming Soon) News Link: Windracer Drones in Greenland Climate Research [https://www.meteorologicaltechnologyinternational.com/news/climate-measurement/windracers-ultra-drones-to-be-deployed-in-greenland-on-glacier-surveying-mission.html] News Link: Pacific Island Nations Invest in Renewable Energy [https://theconversation.com/how-pacific-nations-plan-to-go-from-spending-up-to-25-of-gdp-on-fossil-fuels-to-running-on-100-renewables-269402] News Link: Using Tidal Energy to Desalinate Water in the Canaries [https://www.offshore-energy.biz/canary-islands-kick-off-wave-powered-desalination-initiative/]