“There is a certain level you reach teaching STEM, and you want to learn more, go deeper and become a better teacher,” says Stoffle, who estimates he spent over 40 hours on the online certification process.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and Hetherington has carved out a pretty solid reputation as a STEM leader in Windsor-Essex.

Stoffle runs one of the few – if not the only – full time, dedicated, elementary school Makerspaces in the region where students spend two periods per week on design challenges and projects that combines elements of science, math, social studies and language while integrating technology and coding to enhance learning.

“If they are studying forces, we work with gravity cars where we build rolling chassis, apply weights and pulleys that run the car,” he says.  “It’s hands on, it’s putting theory into practise.”

Stoffle also mentors the FIRST Lego League (FLL) team that was assembled in 2018 called the Robohawks, which participates in the prestigious and global FIRST Robotics competition.  FLL encourages students to not only apply their technical skills, but also build soft skills such as collaboration, problem solving and communication.

It is all part of the evolution of STEM and the recognition that students are often inspired to pursue science and technology when they see it interacting with their world and when they have the opportunity to combine their passion for STEM with other skill sets.

It’s one reason students at Hetherington get to produce their own YouTube Channel dedicated to all things STEM, interviewing students and talking about their projects, as well as running a morning radio show that broadens the discussion about the school and community.