Ontario Curriculum Connections to the STEM Racing Canada Program
STEM Racing Canada is a hands-on, multidisciplinary competition for students aged 9–19, where teams design, build, and race miniature F1 cars using CAD/CAM tools. The program strongly aligns with Ontario’s curriculum, particularly in engineering design, teamwork and collaboration, project management, and public speaking/presentation skills.
Program Overview
Program Name: STEM Racing Canada
Grade Range: Elementary (Grades 1–8)
Main Focus: Engineering Design Process (Design–Build–Test Cycle)
Science & Technology Curriculum Connections
Aligned with the Ontario Science & Technology Curriculum, the program reflects Strand A1: Engineering Design & Inquiry by engaging students in planning, building, testing, and refining prototypes, mirroring curriculum expectations for hands-on investigation. Scientific testing through wind tunnels and time trials supports inquiry-based learning and data interpretation. Strand A2: Technology & Coding is addressed through simulation tools and block-based coding platforms that explore drag, propulsion, and aerodynamics.
The program also reinforces key content from various grade levels:
Grade 5 (Forces Acting on Structures)
Grade 6 (Flight – Lift, thrust, drag)
Grades 7 & 8 (Mechanical system design, analysis, and optimization).
It supports specific expectations such as applying thrust and drag principles in Grade 6 (Flight), connecting form and structure to performance in Grade 7 (Form & Function), and enhancing efficiency by reducing friction in Grade 8 (Systems in Action).
📊 Mathematics Connections (Grades 1–8)
STEM Racing offers a real-world context for applying mathematics across several strands in the Ontario curriculum. In Measurement & Algebra, students measure car components and calculate speed using the formula Speed = Distance ÷ Time, reinforcing Grade 8 expectations. Proportional Reasoning is applied through the design of scale models, where students use ratios, unit conversions, and scaling—core concepts in Grades 6–7. Data Management involves recording race data, calculating averages, and creating bar or line graphs to visualize performance, supporting data literacy development in Grades 5–8. Through Financial Literacy, students manage a team budget, plan costs, and engage in fundraising, offering real-world math practice aligned with expectations in Grades 7–8. Overall, STEM Racing turns abstract math into hands-on problem solving.
📚 Language & Arts Connections (Grades 1–8)
In line with the Ontario Language Curriculum, Oral Communication skills are developed through presentations where students practice public speaking, persuasion, and audience-specific messaging. In Writing, teams create engineering and marketing portfolios using technical vocabulary, structured arguments, and revisions—supporting Grades 6–8 expectations to write for specific purposes such as reports and persuasive texts.
🎨 Media Literacy & The Arts (Grades 1–8)
STEM Racing also builds media and visual literacy. In Media Literacy, students design logos, posters, booth displays, sponsor materials, and social media content, meeting curriculum goals to craft messages for defined audiences using appropriate techniques. Visual Arts are reinforced through team branding using color, contrast, and layout in alignment with the Ontario Visual Arts Curriculum. Additionally, optional creative elements like skits, videos, or music tie directly into Drama and Music expectations, encouraging student creativity, storytelling, and performance.
By integrating mathematics, language, media, and the arts, STEM Racing provides a dynamic, cross-curricular learning experience that brings classroom concepts to life.
🧪 High School Curriculum Connections (Grades 9–12)
STEM Racing Canada aligns closely with the Ontario high school curriculum, particularly in Science and Technological Education. In Grade 9 Science (SNC1W), students apply the engineering design process and explore energy conversion—such as transforming CO₂ into kinetic energy—while engaging in scientific inquiry. Grade 10 Science (SNC2D/P) connects through the physics unit on motion, where students analyze speed, acceleration, distance-time graphs, and core concepts like friction, Newton’s laws, and kinetic energy. Senior physics courses (SPH3U/4U) offer opportunities to deepen understanding of kinematics, dynamics, motion equations, energy efficiency, and CO₂ propulsion, with advanced teams even delving into fluid dynamics and aerodynamics. Additional science links include chemistry, where material and paint choices connect to chemical properties, and environmental science, which encourages sustainable and responsible tech design.
🛠️ Technological Education (Grades 9–12)
STEM Racing directly supports curriculum goals across a range of technological education courses, including Technological Design, Manufacturing Technology, Communications Technology, Transportation Technology, and Computer Technology. Students engage in design and fabrication, teamwork, project management, coding, and real-world engineering challenges. In Technological Design (TDJ), they follow a complete engineering design process—brainstorming, CAD modeling, technical drawing creation, prototyping, and iterative testing—aligning closely with Ontario curriculum expectations.
Manufacturing Technology (TMJ) integrates CNC machining, 3D printing, and tool safety, while students fabricate precise car components, apply quality control principles, and adhere to technical specifications. In Communications Technology (TGJ), students take on media roles, manage branding portfolios, produce videos, and lead social media campaigns—mirroring expectations around teamwork, media creation, and project planning. Transportation Technology (TTJ) connects through aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and optimization, with CO₂ car builds providing hands-on opportunities to explore friction, weight, and performance systems typically taught through full-scale vehicle study.
Computer Technology (TEJ) for Grades 10, 11, and 12 expands the interdisciplinary reach of STEM Racing. Students in TEJ2O/3M/4M courses apply circuit design, microcontroller programming, sensor integration, and coding skills in support of timing systems, race simulations, and data tracking. These tasks support curriculum goals in hardware-software interaction, embedded systems, and applied computational thinking—particularly relevant to advanced teams building automated testing rigs or telemetry systems.
New courses like TAS1O and TAS2O (Technology and the Skilled Trades, Grades 9–10, 2024) further broaden STEM Racing's relevance. These courses build foundational skills in trades such as carpentry, welding, plumbing, and automotive repair. Through practical, hands-on projects, students learn tool safety, workplace readiness, and explore career pathways in skilled trades—making STEM Racing a compelling, real-world platform for experiential learning across all tech disciplines.
🏭 Manufacturing, Communications & Transportation Technology (Grades 9–12)
STEM Racing aligns well with the Ontario Technological Education Curriculum by providing students with hands-on experience in key areas. In Manufacturing Technology (TMJ), students use CNC machines, 3D printers, and precision tools, reinforcing expectations in safe tool use, quality control, and adherence to technical specifications. In Communications Technology (TGJ), teams develop branding packages, produce promotional videos, and manage social media campaigns—skills directly linked to media production, digital design, and project coordination. Roles such as Team Manager and Marketing Designer build communication and leadership capacity. Although Transportation Technology (TTJ) typically covers full-size vehicles, students apply relevant concepts such as aerodynamics, weight distribution, and vehicle dynamics by analyzing and optimizing their CO₂-powered race cars.
💼 Business & Financial Education Connections
STEM Racing also supports business education by simulating a real-world startup environment. In Entrepreneurship (BDI3C), students develop business plans, pitch for sponsorships, manage team roles, and track budgets—activities that mirror venture creation and align with entrepreneurship curriculum goals. Marketing courses (BMI3C/BMX3E) allow students to craft strategies, create promotional content, and build brand identity through digital tools and outreach campaigns. In Business Leadership (BOH4M/BDP3O), team leads engage in planning, task delegation, and organizational leadership using tools like Gantt charts and real project deadlines. Financial literacy and accounting courses (BBI2O, BDI3C) are supported through budgeting, fundraising, and expense tracking tasks, giving students practical experience in managing finances within a team environment.
🧩 Tech & Business Curriculum Connections (High School)
STEM Racing bridges multiple strands of the Ontario high school curriculum by embedding real-world design, business, and communication skills into a single, student-driven experience. In Technological Design (TDJ), students apply the full engineering process—using CAD to design their cars, producing technical drawings, and iteratively prototyping and testing. Manufacturing Technology (TMJ) expectations are met through the use of CNC machines, 3D printers, and precision tools, with teams following specifications and safety protocols to fabricate high-quality components. In Communications Technology (TGJ), students collaborate on media creation, assuming roles like media lead or content designer to produce portfolios, promotional videos, and social campaigns. Though Transportation Technology (TTJ) typically focuses on full-sized vehicles, the course connects through hands-on exploration of aerodynamics, mass, and friction in small-scale race cars.
On the business side, Entrepreneurship (BDI3C) is reflected as teams operate like startups—planning ventures, pitching to sponsors, managing roles, and budgeting. In Marketing (BMI3C/BMX3E), students develop strategic branding, create promotional materials, and run digital campaigns. Business Leadership (BOH4M) outcomes are met through planning, task delegation, timeline management, and leadership roles within the team. Financial Literacy and Accounting (BBI2O) expectations are addressed as students manage team funds, track expenses, and engage in budgeting tasks based on real project needs.
🔗 Cross-Curricular Integration
STEM Racing is far more than an engineering competition—it serves as a cross-disciplinary learning environment uniting Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Arts, and Business in authentic, team-based projects. It mirrors professional workflows and provides a rich, collaborative context for applied learning.
📚 Business, Communication & Interdisciplinary Connections
In Business Communication contexts (BBI2O and senior business courses), students develop real-world communication skills by writing sponsorship letters, managing social media, and giving presentations. English (Grades 9–12) connections include oral communication through speeches and live pitches, and written communication in engineering portfolios, marketing plans, and team documentation—aligned with courses like Grade 10 Academic English and Grade 12 Media Studies (EMS4U). Literacy Skills (OSSLC/OLC4O) outcomes are naturally integrated through proposal writing and public speaking tasks central to the program.
Interdisciplinary Studies (IDC) programs are also highly compatible, with students simultaneously engaging in technology, business, and language-related tasks—earning credits through multi-role participation that mirrors the IDC curriculum’s intent.
🎨 Arts Integration
In Media Arts (ASM), students design branding assets, produce displays, and use digital media tools to communicate their team’s identity. Visual Arts (AVI) principles such as color theory and layout are applied to car aesthetics, posters, and logos. Optional drama and media components allow students to creatively express their ideas through performance and multimedia—strengthening engagement and creativity while satisfying arts curriculum goals.
🎭 Arts, School Integration & Real-World Impact
STEM Racing supports Dramatic Arts (ADA) by engaging students in skits, live presentations, and storytelling during events and Q&A sessions—developing voice, improvisation, and stage presence. In SHSM and other integrated programs, Art + Tech collaboration thrives: tech-focused students design and fabricate the cars, while arts-focused peers lead branding, visual design, and media production. These interdisciplinary roles reflect real-world team dynamics and promote curriculum alignment across multiple strands.
Across Ontario, schools are successfully embedding STEM Racing into their academic and extracurricular frameworks. At SATEC @ W.A. Porter (TDSB), the Nitro Racing team earned regional recognition in 2024, with teachers connecting the program to co-op and tech course credits—demonstrating how classroom learning translates into competitive success. Holy Trinity School (Richmond Hill) integrates the program through enrichment opportunities, underscoring its flexibility in both public and private education. The Ontario Science Centre, as a national event host, elevates student innovations to public exhibits, reinforcing science communication skills and civic engagement.
InspireTech Canada, based in Parry Sound, delivers the STEM Racing Canada program—providing schools with registration support, aligned curriculum resources, and access to professional tools like Autodesk and Ansys. Meanwhile, boards such as Peel and York Region DSB are incorporating the program into science and technology courses and sharing best practices through educator networks. Students in these boards earn credits while engaging in experiential, real-world learning.
At the postsecondary and industry level, institutions like Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and Mohawk College sponsor and mentor teams, creating clear pathways from high school to STEM careers. Top-performing teams often present at postsecondary showcases, strengthening connections between secondary education, higher ed, and the workforce.
🧾 Summary
STEM Racing—part of the global F1 in Schools program—is more than a competition; it’s a fully integrated learning platform. Students design, build, market, and present their cars in ways that directly meet Ontario curriculum outcomes in science, math, technology, arts, business, and language. Along the way, they gain valuable 21st-century skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and creativity.
🎓 Conclusion
By engaging students across grades and subjects, STEM Racing brings the Ontario curriculum to life. In elementary school, it connects with science, math, language, and the arts. In high school, it deepens learning in tech (CAD, manufacturing), science (physics), business, English, and interdisciplinary studies. The program offers structured challenges, hands-on assessment opportunities, and pathways to postsecondary education and careers. Recognized by educators and school boards across Ontario, STEM Racing stands out as a dynamic model for real-world, experiential education.