Sustainable Development Goals in 21st Century Studies

In the 2016-2017 school year, a Makerspace was opened to take advantage of the woodworking shop and the 3D sculpture studio during the academic morning. Teachers were encouraged to provide opportunities for students to create, with links to curriculum, in this space. Currently, groups of Grade 9 students have been spotted in there working on an assignment for 21st Century Studies. Students were asked to conduct empathetic research on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and then select one of the 17 to focus on the targets and how countries are doing at meeting the target by 2030. Students then had to design and create a product to promote their message to meet the goal. One group of students selected SDG #5, Gender Equality, and decided to create buttons that people can wear to promote gender equality through conversation and awareness. Another group chose #14, Life Below Water, and designed a large fish that they have filled with plastic to highlight the impact of our behaviours on fish species. Students will be presenting their research to class members and one group will be speaking at assembly to ensure that all their work can be shared to move people to action to help reach these goals. For more information on the Sustainable Development Goals, click here.