Since the 2015 Policy Address, there has been a strong push to promote STEM education in primary and secondary schools. Educators have been brainstorming ways to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into everyday lessons. Nearly a decade later, STEM education has flourished in diverse forms, with each school offering its unique approach. At St. Mary's Canossian College, students are encouraged to pursue scientific knowledge while remembering to give back to the community from a human perspective.
Interdisciplinary Teaching: Bridging Technology and Science
For the educators at St. Mary's, the essence of science lies not in complex formulas or intricate lab procedures, but in the experiences derived from thoughtful curriculum planning. Vice Principal Chan Ka-ming and Head of Biology and Integrated Science, Ms Chan Hiu Wing, emphasize that effective curriculum design relies on "interdisciplinary collaboration." For instance, in the Secondary 1 curriculum, students begin by learning the basics of plant taxonomy in their Integrated Science class. They then use plant identification guides and scientific observation methods to "treasure hunt" around the school, discovering various plants. Finally, in their Information and Communication Technology class, they apply artificial intelligence (AI) to identify plant species, exploring how advanced technology and traditional scientific thinking can complement each other. As the educators believe, it’s through these experiences that students can think critically and apply what they’ve learned.
(The school encourages students to step outside the classroom for exploration, with EdCity’s "Learning & Teaching Expo" providing excellent opportunities for extracurricular learning!)
Tailored Education: Seeking New Opportunities for Students
Principal Wong believes that every student has unique potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured. If a student feel disconnected from STEM, how should teachers guide them? STEM Coordinator Mr. Kwok acknowledges that not every student enjoys coding; some may be more passionate about business analysis or communication-related fields. Regardless of their interests and abilities, every student is given equal opportunities to explore and find their niche within STEM activities. "Career planning" or a "life roadmap" often evolves gradually through experimentation, and St. Mary's STEM education aims to help students uncover transformative opportunities through repeated trials.
(The educators at the school work together to create an environment that fosters STEM learning.)
Empathy Sparks Endless Creativity
Just a couple of weeks ago, St. Mary's students achieved remarkable results at the Infomatrix International Student Information and Communication Technology Competition, one of the largest of its kind. Two participating groups used AI design systems to tackle issues like identifying cracks in building walls and recognizing child abuse in orphanages. When asked about the inspiration behind such creative topics, award-winning students Chow and Wong explained that their ideas came from observing vulnerable communities around them. Wong humorously noted that the idea for detecting wall cracks stemmed from the school’s historic buildings, while Chow shared that child abuse in orphanages is a widespread issue globally. While many believe that creativity springs from wild imagination, having a keen eye for the needs of others and a heart that empathizes can also nurture creativity. "What technology to use, whether new or old, isn't the most important part," summarized Mr. Kwok. "What matters most is serving the community with humility and compassion. This embodies the 'human-centered' spirit of our education."
(St. Mary's students excelled at the Infomatrix competition.)
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Continuously Breaking Barriers
The 17th-century scientist Isaac Newton famously said, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." As our interview came to a close, Ms. Kwok quoted Newton, emphasizing that all scientific research and innovation must evolve with the times to gain new insights. In the 21st century, we benefit from existing scientific achievements and experience the rational enlightenment that science brings, yet we may mistakenly view science as mechanical, cold, and lacking in human concern. If we reinterpret this creatively, the "giants" can represent the humanistic spirit. The educators at St. Mary's choose to build upon this human-centered ethos, continually pushing the boundaries of STEM education and allowing students to envision a broader future.