In the world of education, there is an ever-growing emphasis on the important role of STEM in the classroom that correlates with the need to develop 21st century competencies among our students. Critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills are seen as fundamental for students as they learn to apply core skills and begin to prepare to enter the workforce. Recognizing this need, a growing number of schools and educational facilities are providing more hands-on STEM-based learning opportunities to prepare students for the future. And to help find the right STEM school supplies, they can now turn to Staples Business Advantage.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and has more recently grown to include the Arts (STEAM). It is a cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning that, as defined by Bonnie Schmidt, "includes a diverse set of 21st century skills and characteristics — ways of thinking about (and solving) the problems that we all face as global citizens." 

When I think of STEM, I think of project-based, inquiry-based and even game-based learning. I think of makerspaces, flexible classrooms, design thinking, digital portfolios, innovation and problem-solving. I also think of augmented and virtual reality, robotics, 3D printing, and programming, among others. Bundle all of these elements together and you have a recipe for encouraging youth to pursue STEM studies and empowering them with the skill set they will need for their future.

Gearing up for STEM in the classroom can be somewhat overwhelming. Luckily, Staples Business Advantage has experts on hand to help guide you towards the tools and supplies that are best suited for your needs. One thing to consider is whether there is a need for a central makerspace that will act as a STEM storage hub for the school or if it would be better to outfit each classroom with a standard STEM toolkit. A more affordable option could be to create a mobile makerspace on wheels. Whichever is best suited for your school's goals and budget, here is a list of suggested materials and STEM toys to get started:

As part of the design process, students will need ready access to materials for brainstorming, collaborative design, modelling and creating iterations of their designs, many of which are already found in the classroom.

• adhesives (glues such as craft, wood or hot glue, tape such as duct or electrical tape)
• paper (printer paper, construction paper, card stock, aluminum foil)
• craft supplies (pipe cleaners, yarn, craft sticks, fabrics)
• modelling clay or plasticine
• colouring supplies (crayons, markers, paints and brushes)
• craft scissors and hole punches
• dry erase supplies (whiteboard markers, dry erase paint, mini whiteboards, adhesive dry erase surface)

Recyclable Materials

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. 

What is small, round, bright and can be used to drive, play games and learn to code? It's Sphero Mini, the ping-pong sized robotic ball. This tiny tech-infused ball is a miniature version of Sphero 2.0, the world's first app-enabled robotic ball. Although Sphero Mini is itty bitty in size, it still packs a whole lot of innovation, making it a super cool and affordable gift idea this holiday season.

Finally, my favourite feature of the Sphero Mini is the ability to program it using the Sphero Edu app. You can draw, drag blocks, or code text with Javascript thanks the latest Sphero Edu app update. And because the Sphero Mini costs $69.99, this makes it a more affordable alternative for coding clubs and STEM education in schools. The Bluetooth-enabled Mini has a 10M range and can be charged with the included micro USB. It has LED lights that glow in any colour, as well as a gyroscope and accelerometer, providing endless coding abilities. Charging time is decent at 1 hour for a full charge that lasts for 45 minutes of continuous play. It is also compatible with iOS 10+ and Android 5.0+. To recharge, you have to remove the shell, which means, unlike Sphero 2.0, you can play with the Mini in water. However, this does mean you can interchange shells, which are available in blue, green, pink, orange and white. For more information, visit sphero.com.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

With the holidays just around the corner, I am sure many of us are already on the lookout for gift ideas. At least, I know I am. I love gifting block kits such as LEGO sets but this year, there's a fabulous gift idea to complement toy blocks. Introducing Mayka Toy Block Tape, a revolutionary idea licensed from the ORIGINAL Nimuno Loops. I had supported their Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign earlier this year and absolutely love how it can transform virtually any surface into a base for construction toy bricks and figures.

Mayka Toy Block Tape is a flexible and cuttable surface with an adhesive backing that can be used to make 3D creations. Mayka Tape is compatible with LEGO® toys and other major toy construction brands. It comes in a wide variety of colours, widths and lengths, and can be easily cut with scissors to the desired length. Then you remove the adhesive seal from the back, making not to place it near any hair, dirty floors, food, or other surfaces that may damage the adhesive. Place the tape to a clean surface. Please note that it is not recommended for use on painted surfaces.

Mayka tape can be removed and re-used, provided that the adhesive is in good condition. But like any adhesive product, it will get less sticky if re-used several times. We first tried it on our mirrored closet door. We began by adding a strip to the mirror and applied square bricks sideways. Then we applied a second strip of Mayka tape on the top side of those squares so that we could also build vertically.

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.

Have Your Say

The summer is finally upon us and I can now rejoice in the luxury of two restful months off work. In theory, that is. Granted the kids are older and more independent than ever, it never ceases to amaze me how three simple words can still irritate me to no end: "Mom, I'm bored!" Luckily, my son has made friends with many of the neighbourhood boys and they are constantly playing together and running around outside. My daughter, however, isn't as fortunate. There is only one girl her age on our street with whom she enjoys playing but she travels a lot with her family, especially during the summer, leaving my daughter to own devices. Quite literally. She would spend the whole day watching YouTube videos or playing video games if we let her. 

Instead, we encourage her love of arts and crafts, especially given her creative flair. Drawing and dancing are her forte, and she has a growing collection of paints and brushes, and yet, what does she keep begging me to make? Slime. She is forever obsessed with SLIME! In the past, we've tried a couple of different recipes, despite my better judgement, and the outcome would rarely be pretty. But then, as if the slime gods had been watching over us, we received a kid-friendly slime kit from Elmer's to test out and suddenly my fear of messy disasters was appeased. 

Inside the kit, we found a 4 fl oz bottle of Elmer's White School Glue, a small jar of baking soda and a dropper bottle filled with blue food colouring. According to the Elmer's recipe for coloured slime, the fourth and final ingredient was contact lens solution, which I know many people already have lying around at home. I probably could have asked my friend for the mere tablespoon of lens solution required for the slime recipe but I knew this would the first of many slimey concoctions so I went out to the pharmacy and bought a small bottle. 

After pouring the entire bottle of Elmer's White School Glue, we added half a tablespoon of baking soda and mixed them together. Then we added several drops of food colouring, followed by a tablespoon of contact lens solution. We mixed all the ingredients together until it all started to stick together and became harder to mix. We removed the slime from the bowl and began to knead until it didn't feel sticky. Overall, it was super easy to make and the instructions were very straightforward. I was amazed to see the transformation of the glue and baking soda when mixed with the lens solution. It was like magic! 

If you would like to try making slime with your kids, check out Elmer's Recipe for Colored Slime. I also recommend you bookmark their Elmer's slime page for additional recipes, videos and handy tips and tricks. Keep in mind that, depending on the food colouring you use, you may notice that it may stain your hands. While we were able to wash it off afterwards, you may want to consider using gloves when kneading. Also, pull out some old newspapers to protect your tabletop while making and playing with your slime. And please be sure to read their disclaimer:

*Adult supervision is required; This project is not appropriate for children under the age of 3 years. Always wash your hands before and after making and playing with slime. Warning: If large quantities of contact lens solution are accidentally ingested (greater than a tablespoon), get medical attention immediately.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Elmer's Kid-Friendly Slime campaign and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.