Cultivating critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and rigour while instilling lifelong care for God’s creation through the permeation of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Green STEM:
- Hones higher level and critical thinking skills;
- focuses on integrative content;
- cultivates global leaders and environmental stewards
- prepares students for the complex and inter-connected world of work; and
- is engaging, experiential, meaningful and fun!
Through the focus on Green STEM (STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and following the words of Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato Si,” students and staff develop a deep global and social awareness and care for God’s creation while honing higher level thinking skills and preparing for the future.
The intentional focus and integration of the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math through an environmental lens prepares our students to be engaged and responsible members of the Catholic community.
Our Green STEM program is built on the foundation that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is most powerful when connected to real-world environmental challenges. We take an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach that integrates hands-on learning with sustainability principles, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
By engaging students with authentic, place-based learning experiences, we inspire environmental stewardship while building STEM literacy and 21st-century competencies. Our students explore topics such as energy conservation, waste reduction, biodiversity, and climate action, applying their knowledge to tangible projects that benefit our school, community, and the planet.
Our Green STEM philosophy is deeply connected to our faith. Rooted in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, we guide students to see environmental responsibility as a moral calling, recognizing their role as caretakers of creation. Through reflection, action, and collaboration, our students develop both a scientific understanding of the world and a compassionate response to its needs.
Through partnerships with local organizations and innovative classroom projects, we equip students with the knowledge, skills, and a growth mindset to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. Our Green STEM approach ensures that students not only learn about environmental issues but also actively work for solutions, making a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
Program Overview
Our Green STEM program is transdisciplinary, meaning it is not a stand-alone subject but is intentionally woven throughout our curriculum. Rather than being confined to a single class, Green STEM principles are integrated across subjects, allowing students to explore real-world environmental challenges through science, mathematics, technology, engineering, and even language arts, social studies, and religion. This approach ensures that sustainability and problem-solving are embedded in daily learning, fostering deep connections between disciplines and empowering students to think critically and creatively in all areas of study.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
Our Green STEM program thrives on engaging, hands-on experiences that bring learning to life. Students actively explore, create, and problem-solve through a variety of dynamic projects and events, both inside and outside the classroom.
Indoor & Outdoor Learning Spaces
- Indoor & Outdoor Greenhouses – Students grow and care for plants, study ecosystems, and learn about sustainable agriculture.
- Outdoor Classroom – A dedicated outdoor learning space where students connect with nature, conduct scientific observations, and engage in environmental studies.
- Grow Towers – Vertical hydroponic gardens that allow students to explore plant growth, food sustainability, and engineering concepts year-round.
- STEM Lab – A fully equipped lab with cutting-edge STEM technologies and materials that spark creativity, innovation, and hands-on experimentation in every student.
School-Wide Green STEM Events
- KID Inventor Day – A celebration of student innovation where learners design, prototype, and present creative solutions to real-world problems.
- STEM Carnival – An interactive event with hands-on STEM stations that challenge students to experiment, build, and discover through engaging activities.
- STEM Family Night – A community event where families participate in exciting STEM activities, explore exhibits, and engage in hands-on learning together.
Daily Classroom Engagement
- STEM Challenges – Regular problem-solving activities where students apply engineering design, creativity, and critical thinking to tackle real-world issues.
- Homeroom Hands-On Learning – Every class incorporates Green STEM projects into daily instruction, ensuring that sustainability and innovation are embedded across subjects.
These experiences make learning meaningful, empowering students to develop STEM skills while fostering environmental stewardship and a love for discovery.