The Ontario Government has launched a new science curriculum for grades 1-8, focusing on “modernization” of course content to incorporate engineering, coding, artificial intelligence, and other skills needed for the current economy. Introduced.
Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announces the implementation of a new curriculum At a press conference on Tuesday.
“Starting today as part of a broader modernization, we’re excited to review the Ontario curriculum and ultimately … adapt what we teach our children to the skills needed for the economy,” he said. Added such a “cut” between what is being taught. At school, what employment skills are needed have existed for the past 15 years.
“We didn’t talk about AI in a skilled industry. We didn’t teach you how to code in Ontario until the government announced this kind of reform. So we need young people to succeed. Go where the pack is advancing in the sense that it has the best abilities and skills, and we will give these students, your children, as much as possible a competitive advantage at the time of graduation. I’m trying to do that. “
Ontario is promoting a modern science curriculum that will help unleash the next generation of Canadian innovators, entrepreneurs and scientists. #JobsOfTheFuture ?? pic.twitter.com/TZJXWGFeBs
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) March 8, 2022
According to the state, it is also introducing a new non-streamed science course for 9th grade students. news release From the Ontario Government.
The updated curriculum is set to take effect in the next 2022-23 academic year.
The Ontario Elementary Science and Technology Curriculum was last updated in 2007, and the 9th grade course was last updated in 2008. During this period, important scientific and technological innovations emerged to transform the global economy, Lecce said.
“Think about all the changes and new technologies we’ve seen, including the development of smartphones, self-driving cars, and other artificial intelligence,” he said.
“As the economy changes, we also need a curriculum to acquire the skills needed to give students access to high-paying jobs and to gain a competitive advantage when graduating here in Ontario.”
As part of the change, students can expect to learn to apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics (called STEM) to their careers and skilled professions with a “real world connection”.
The new STEM course includes mandatory coding lessons for grades 1-9.
Students will also learn about new technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence, and their increasing application in modern society, such as facial recognition, self-driving cars, drones, and search engines.
“Students explore how science relates to careers in skilled industries and how new technologies affect these careers,” the government said. “These new learning expectations within the curriculum ensure that Ontario students are at the forefront of new innovations, thinking and able to compete in the global economy.”
The state said the updated STEM curriculum incorporates feedback from educational professionals, including higher education institutions.
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Andrew Chen is a Toronto-based Epoch Times reporter.