Ontario announces new elementary science curriculum

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA: The Ontario government has announced the creation of a new elementary science curriculum, being implemented at the start of the next school year.

“Parents want to know their child is learning relevant, current knowledge [which] reflects the world we live in today. And that is a world [which] is becoming more and more interconnected through technology every single day. We heard clearly, Ontarians want their children to learn more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, focused on the life and job skills necessary, so our students succeed,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said, during a press conference, on Tuesday, March 8th.

An Ontario government press release explained “Ontario’s elementary science and technology curriculum was last updated in 2007 and the Grade 9 course was last updated in 2008.”

“Since then, significant scientific and technological innovations, such as the advancement of smartphones, everyday use of 3D printing and genomic vaccines have emerged, and the global economy has changed. The updated curriculum responds to these changes with the goal of positioning Ontario as a leading jurisdiction in STEM, helping to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow,” the press release added.

Minister Lecce stated, the new curriculum will “focus on the jobs of the future.” The government also announced a new grade 9 science course.

Minister Lecce mentioned coding, emerging technologies, the environment and Food Literacy as some of the focuses of the new curriculum.

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