Have you ever wondered what life on Mars could look like? On Wednesday, November 15, 2017, approximately 300 youth from the Greater Toronto Area will be doing just that at the Canada 2067 youth conference. Their challenge will be to envision what the future on Mars could be like, with the ultimate goal of re-imagining science learning in Canada. 

But before they get started, they will hear from youth and professional speakers about the STEM careers paths. Join them via livestream to hear from Bonnie Schmidt, CEO of Let's Talk Science, and speakers from organizations that are changing the world we live in today and helping to shape the future through space discovery, software innovations, and more.

Hosted by Canada 2067, a national initiative to shape the future of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning, focusing on Kindergarten to Grade 12, this day-long event is a unique opportunity for collaboration between inspiring youth, professional speakers and breakout groups of students.

Recognizing the growing need for critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and global citizens, Canada 2067 will use the results from this youth conference as part of the Canada 2067 action plan and national vision for STEM learning that will ensure young Canadians will graduate with the skill set they will need to succeed in the rapidly changing world of tomorrow.

As select portions of the agenda will be streamed live, I hope you will be able to join in either on the Canada 2067 Facebook page or on Canada2067.ca on Wednesday, November 15 at 8:30 AM to noon EST to listen to the amazing speakers.

Canada 2067 is presented by Let’s Talk Science with founding partners including Amgen Canada, 3M Canada, H+K Strategies and Trottier Family Foundation. 

Several years ago, I attended a conference on 21st century learning and one of the keynote speakers made a comment that has stuck with me ever since. He pointed out that we are teaching in "the most disruptive moment in education," in a time of great change. As excited as I was to learn that the future of education promised great innovation, the thought also terrified me. There were so many questions, so many unknowns, so many variables to consider. How on earth could I possibly consolidate the ways in which I was taught as a student and the methodologies of my current teaching practice with the needs of my students, so that they may thrive in the ever-evolving world of tomorrow? [Insert deep breath here.] Though daunting as it may appear to navigate through these uncharted waters, there is one thing I know for sure: science, technology, engineering and math will each play a greater role than ever before in the future of our children. For this reason, I am thrilled to partner with Canada 2067, a national initiative to unite Canadians around a new vision for youth STEM learning, focusing on Kindergarten to Grade 12.

In order to shape the future of STEM learning across our great nation, Canada 2067 is using the perspectives and opinions of Canadians to develop an action plan for strengthened education systems that will better prepare youth for the 21st century. You see, we now find ourselves at a critical juncture wherein we recognize the growing need for critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and global citizens and yet, there's still so much more we can do to ensure that they graduate with the skill set they'll need to succeed. We're so lucky to live in a country where our education systems are among the best in the world. But we still need to prepare for a future full of challenges. And this is where you come in.

Canada 2067 has identified six pillars as part of the Canada 2067 action plan and is seeking input from all Canadians. Whether you are a student, an educator, a parent, a policy maker, a business leader, or a government leader, everyone is invited to share thoughts and opinions on:

• how we learn
• how we teach
• what we learn
• who’s involved
• where education leads
• cross-cutting issues

By participating in the conversation, you will help paint a clearer picture of the current state of STEM learning in Canada, and inform decisions that will affect our youth over the next 50 years.

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