BC Curriculum Connections to the STEM Racing Canada Program

STEM Racing Canada is a hands-on, multidisciplinary educational initiative designed for students aged 9 to 19. Participants design, build, and race miniature Formula 1-style cars using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools. The program supports the development of skills in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the arts, and entrepreneurship, aligning with British Columbia's curriculum objectives.

🧪 Integration into British Columbia's Science Curriculum

Elementary Level: (Grades K–7)
Students explore material properties, forces, and motion, aligning with the BC science curriculum's emphasis on understanding the physical world.

Secondary Level: (Grades 8–12)
The program complements the secondary science curriculum by engaging students in technological design, mechanical systems analysis, and scientific experimentation. Students apply the engineering design process to create and optimize their vehicles, considering principles such as aerodynamics and material strength.

📐 Integration into British Columbia's Mathematics Curriculum

Elementary Level: Grades K–7
Activities involving measurement, proportional reasoning, and data analysis are integrated during the design and testing phases of the cars, supporting the elementary mathematics curriculum's focus on numeracy and problem-solving skills.

Secondary Level: Grades 8–12
Students utilize mathematical formulas to calculate speed, acceleration, and analyze vehicle performance, directly aligning with the secondary mathematics curriculum's objectives in algebra, geometry, and data management.

🎨 Integration into British Columbia's Arts Curriculum (Visual Arts and Music)

Elementary and Secondary Levels:
Students enhance their creativity by designing the aesthetics of their cars, creating logos, and developing visual presentations, aligning with the visual arts curriculum's emphasis on artistic expression and design principles. Incorporating jingles or soundtracks for presentations offers an opportunity to integrate music education, fostering an understanding of musical elements and composition.

💻 Integration with Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) and Digital Skills

The program supports the learning outcomes of British Columbia’s ADST curriculum, which is integrated across all subject areas. Students use digital tools (such as CAD software, 3D printers, and simulations) to model, test, and improve their vehicles. They also develop skills in programming, 3D modeling, file management, and the safe and responsible use of technology.

💼 Integration into British Columbia's Career Education and Entrepreneurship Programs

Middle School: Grades 6–9
The program aligns with the Career Education curriculum by encouraging students to explore interests and career possibilities through hands-on projects that integrate various subject areas, including technology and entrepreneurship.

High School: Grades 10–12
STEM Racing Canada supports the Career Education curriculum by providing practical experiences in areas such as design studies, fabrication, and business. Students develop business plans, seek sponsorships, and manage budgets, reflecting real-world applications of entrepreneurial skills.

🧩 Interdisciplinary Integration

The program fosters the development of cross-curricular competencies such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students work in teams to design, build, and present their projects, integrating knowledge and skills from science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the arts, and entrepreneurship.

🎓 Conclusion

STEM Racing Canada seamlessly integrates into British Columbia's education system by offering an active and interdisciplinary learning approach. It enables students to develop essential 21st-century competencies while reinforcing their understanding across multiple subject areas. This program presents a valuable opportunity for BC schools to enrich their educational offerings and prepare students for future challenges.

📘 Consolidated List of British Columbia Course Codes Referenced

Science:
Science 8 (SC 8)
Science 9 (SC 9)
Science 10 (SC 10)
Physics 11 (PH 11)
Physics 12 (PH 12)

Mathematics:
Mathematics 8 (MA 8)
Mathematics 9 (MA 9)
Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 (FMP 10)
Pre-Calculus 11 (PREC 11)
Pre-Calculus 12 (PREC 12)
Foundations of Mathematics 11 (FOM 11)
Foundations of Mathematics 12 (FOM 12)

Visual Arts:
Visual Arts 8 (VA 8)
Visual Arts 9 (VA 9)
Art Studio 10 (AST 10)
Art Studio 11 (AST 11)
Art Studio 12 (AST 12)

Music:
Music 8 (MU 8)
Music 9 (MU 9)
Concert Band 10 (MMCB 10)
Concert Band 11 (MMCB 11)
Concert Band 12 (MMCB 12)

Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) and Digital Skills:
Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies 8 (ADST 8)
Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies 9 (ADST 9)
Drafting 10 (MDD 10)
Drafting 11 (MDD 11)
Drafting 12 (MDD 12)
Computer Programming 11 (CPRG 11)
Computer Programming 12 (CPRG 12)

Career Education and Entrepreneurship:
Career Education 6 (CE 6)
Career Education 7 (CE 7)
Career Education 8 (CE 8)
Career Education 9 (CE 9)
Career Life Education 10 (CLE 10)
Career Life Connections 12 (CLC 12)
Entrepreneurship and Marketing 10 (EM 10)
Entrepreneurship 11 (ENT 11)
Entrepreneurship 12 (ENT 12)