Introduction
The Saskatchewan Resource First Nations Centre of Excellence (“the Centre”) is conducting a study to better understand how to increase First Nations workforce participation in Saskatchewan’s growing nuclear, rare earth and emerging technology sectors. To assist with this study would appreciate receiving your response to this short survey. Participants in the survey will be entered into a draw to win a prize that will contribute STEM-related teaching resources to the reserve-based school from your region.
Anonymity
The Centre will be the custodian of the data that is collected and any individual data will not be leveraged or shared in any way within or outside of this study without dialogue with the respective Nation to affirm their support and obtain their agreement.
Name
*
1. Please describe your role in the education system.
Please Select
a. Director of Education
b. Principal
c. Primary Educator
d. Secondary Educator
e. Parent
f. Student
g. Other (Please specify):
.
2. Does your school offer any 30-level sciences?
a. Yes
b. No
c. If yes, which classes are offered from the 30-level sciences list:
i. Biology 30
ii. Chemistry 30
iii. Physics 30
iv. Foundations of Mathematics 30
v. Pre-Calculus 30
g. Other (Please specify):
3. How would you describe the current state of STEM education in your school?
Please Select
a. Excellent
b. Good
c. Fair
d. Poor
4. What are the biggest challenges you face in providing quality STEM education to your students?
a. Lack of resources (materials, technology)
b. Insufficient teacher training/Professional Development
c. Low student engagement
d. Integrating traditional knowledge with STEM
e. Other (please specify)
5. Please provide the name of your school/organization
First Nation School
5.1. Please provide the name of your school/organization
Tribal Council
6. Please describe your role in the education system.
Director of Education
Principal
Other
7. What grades does your school offer
K-8
Gr 9-12
K-12
Other (please specify)
8. As of September 30, 2024, how many students were enrolled? (Fill all that applies)
Elementary (K-8)
8.1. As of September 30, 2024, how many students were enrolled? (Fill all that applies)
Secondary (9-12)
9. How many elementary full-time teachers are in your school for the 2024-25 year?
Elementary (K-8)
9.1. How many secondary full-time teachers are in your school for the 2024-25 year?
Secondary (9-12)
10. How many full-time teachers are First Nations?
11. How many full-time support staff are in your school for the 2024-2025 year? (Fill all that applies)
Elementary (K-8)
11.1. How many full-time support staff are in your school for the 2024-2025 year? (Fill all that applies)
Secondary (9-12)
12. How many full-time support staff are First Nation?
STEM Questions (Questions 13 to 23):
“STEM” is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The term represents a broad suite of topics and also includes land-based education, environment, health, etc. Although STEM disciplines are rooted in Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous people are underrepresented in STEM occupations (actual ,2021). The Conference Board of Canada has reported that while ~ 4% of Canadian adults are Indigenous, less than 2% of people working in STEM occupations are Indigenous. The following questions are intended to understand the current state of STEM education in Saskatchewan on-reserve schools as a basis of understanding how to prepare and inspire more First Nations youth to participate in future STEM careers.
13. What STEM-related courses are offered in your school? (Select all that apply)
Land-based education
Science (General)
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Earth Science
Health and medicine
Other (please specify)
14. In what ways is STEM curriculum integrated into First Nations knowledge at your school?
Land-based learning
Ceremonies
Language
Reflection and class discussion on how science and First Nations knowledge connect (ex. debrief after afield trip to a science centre or class delivery of STEM material).
Other: Please specify. Response:
15. What strategies have been most effective in engaging students in STEM subjects?
Hands-on activities and experiments
Incorporating First Nations knowledge and culture
Use of technology and digital tools
Collaboration with external organizations
Other (specify)
16. Which of the following STEM learning materials and resources are available to your students? (Select all that apply)
Science laboratories for experiments (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics labs) – please describe:_________________
Items that leverage First Nations knowledge/way of life that can be used to teach related concepts(hide scrapers, trapping, tipis) – please describe: ______________
Computer labs with accessto coding and digital tools
Hands-on STEM kits (e.g., robotics, engineering,or science kits)
Access to tablets, laptops or desktop computers for STEM learning
Digital or virtual STEM resources (e.g., onlinesimulations, virtual labs)
Maker spaces or creative labs (for engineeringand design projects)
Math manipulatives and hands-on tools (e.g.,geometric shapes, fraction tiles)
3D printers or design toolsfor STEM projects
None of the above
Other (specify)
17. If none (or few) of the above resources are available, what do you see as the key reasons for the lack of availability of STEM resources and/or courses at your school? (Select all that apply)
Lack of qualified knowledgekeepers, staff or teachers to manage or use the resources
Lack of accredited teachersto teach higher level STEM subjects
Limited space or infrastructure in the school
Lack of access totechnology or equipment
Low student enrollment,making it difficult to justify the resources
Inadequate funding
Resources are available butnot regularly used
Equipment available hasaged and is no longer current.
Other (specify)
18. How is land-based education viewed in the school?
Highly important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not important at all
19. How is Western STEM education viewed in the school?
Highly important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not important at all
20. How would you describe the current state of STEM education in your school? (Select the option that best applies)
Strong, with a comprehensive and well-resourced STEM curriculum
Adequate, but there is room for improvement in terms of resources or teacher expertise and accreditations.
Developing, but lacking sufficient resources, training, or student engagement
Weak, with minimal focus on STEM and few available resources
Non-existent, there is no formal STEM education offered
Other (please provide examples)
21. How would you rate the level of community and parent engagement in your school’s education and activities, and what impact does it have on student learning?
High engagement, with strong positive impact on student learning and participation
Moderate engagement, with some positive influence on student outcomes
Limited engagement, but when present, it has a noticeable effect on student motivation
No engagement from parents or community members
Other (please provide examples)
22. Does your school have any partnerships with industries?
Yes, we have partnerships
No, but we are exploring potential partnerships
No, there are no partnerships currently
23. Does your school have any partnerships with local high schools, post-secondary, industries, or organizations to support STEM education?
Yes, we have partnerships
No, but we are exploring potential partnerships
No, there are no partnerships currently
23.1. If yes, what type of support do these partnerships provide? (Select all that apply)
Guest lectures or workshops
Internship or co-op opportunities for students
Access to specialized programs, equipment or facilities
Mentorship programs or career guidance
Scholarships/bursaries
Other
23.2. If no, what are the barriers to forming these partnerships? (Select all that apply)
Lack of awareness or connections
Geographic isolation or distance from institutions/industries
Lack of funding or resources
No perceived need for partnerships
Other
STEM in Elementary School (K-8) (Questions 24 to 37):
(Note: Please skip to Question 29 if you’ are affiliated with a high school)
24. What is the average attendance rate for elementary school students? If you don’t have data from previous school year, please provide your best insight.
Excellent (on average 90% or better)
Very Good (on average 80-89%)
Good (on average 70-79%)
Fair (on average 60-69%)
Poor (Less than 60%)
25. At what grade levels are First Nations knowledge and land-based learning introduced? (Select all that apply)
Kindergarten
Grade 1-2
Grade 3-5
Grade 6-8
No First Nations knowledge and land-based learning introduced
26. At what grade level do students first receive exposure to western STEM careers in your school?
Kindergarten
Grade 1-2
Grade 3-5
Grade 6-8
No formal STEM career exposure in elementary grades
27. If western STEM career exposure is provided, in what ways? (Select all that apply)
Class Speakers/Guests
Industry Speakers/Guests
Course content presented by teachers
External resources (videos, websites) shared by teachers
Self-selected/directed occupation studies
Career fairs
Other (please describe):___________________________
28. How would you describe the level of student interest and performance in STEM subjects in elementary grades at your school?
High interest, with most students performing at or above grade level
Moderate interest, with most students performing at grade level
Moderate interest, with most students performing below grade level
Low interest, with most students struggling to meet grade-level expectations
Mixed interest and performance, with wide variability between students
Other (please specify)
29. Does your school have access to a dedicated teacher(s) or staff member(s) to support STEM programming/curriculum in the elementary grades?
Yes
No
29. con't: Yes, shared with another school
Please describe the arrangement
30. Please describe what types of technology and resources your school provides.
a. Computers
b. Tablets
c. Internet/Wi-Fi Access
d. Science Lab
Other (please describe)
31. How many student computers do you currently use in your school?
32. How would you rate the computer to student ratio in your school forcomputer-based classroom activities?
Student access to computers is great (1:1 ratio for computer-based classroom activities)
Student access to computers is adequate (1:2 ratio for computer-based classroom activities)
Student access to computers is fair (1:3 ratio for computer-based classroom activities)
Student access to computer is inadequate for computer-based classroom activities
33. Are there any STEM-related extracurricular activities available for elementary students at your school? (Select all that apply)
Attendance at ceremonies
Hunting, fishing, trapping, medicine gathering, berry picking camps
Science clubs
Robotics or coding clubs
Math competitions or clubs
Science fairs or exhibitions
Environmental or nature clubs
Engineering challenges (e.g., bridge building, design contests)
STEM-focused field trips (e.g., museums, science centers)
Science summer camps
No STEM-related extracurricular activities offered
Other
34. Often STEM-related extracurricular activities are limited/non-existent, if that’s the case, what are the top three reasons?
Lack of funding or budget constraints
Insufficient staff or volunteers to lead activities
Limited interest or participation from students
Lack of available resources or materials
Focus is on other extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, arts)
Scheduling conflicts or lack of time
Low engagement from parents or the community
Lack of awareness of STEM opportunities by school (e.g. about summer camps, science fairs, etc.)
Other
35. Of the following STEM-related extracurricular activities, which ones do you feel would apply best in your school? (Select top four options)
Increased exposure and participation in ceremonies
More ceremonial integration
More land-based (hunting, trapping, medicinal harvesting, etc.)
Science clubs
Robotics or coding clubs
Math competitions or clubs
Science fairs or exhibitions
Environmental or nature clubs
Engineering challenges (e.g., bridge building, design contests)
STEM-focused field trips (e.g., museums, science centers)
Science summer camps
Other (please specify)
36. If your school only offers K – 8, where do most students continue their highschool education?
Local on-reserve high school
Neighboring on-reserve high school
Provincial schools in nearby towns/cities
High schools in larger cities (e.g., Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, etc.)
Other (please specify)
37. What are the main challenges that exist for students transitioning from elementary school to high school? (Select all that apply)
Lack of nearby high school options
Financial constraints (e.g., relocation, transportation costs)
Lack of transportation to provincial or off-reserve schools
Cultural challenges (e.g., adapting to non-First Nation school environments)
Lack of emotional and psychological support
Academic preparedness
Other
STEM in High School (9-12) (Questions 38 to 44):
38. What is the average attendance rate of your high school students?
Excellent (on average 90% or better)
Very Good (on average 80-89%)
Good (on average 70-79%)
Fair (on average 60-69%)
Poor (Less than 60%)
39. As of September 30th, how many Gr. 12 students are enrolled in your school?
40. As of September 30th, how many students are on track to graduate this year?
41. At what grade levels are First Nations knowledge and land-based learning included? (Select all that apply)
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
No First Nations knowledge and land-based learning included
42. Please describe what types of technology and resources your school provides.
Computers
Tablets
Internet/Wi-Fi Access
Science Lab
Other (please describe)
43. How many student computers do you currently use in your school?
44. How would you rate the computer to student ratio in your school for computer-based classroom activities?
Student access to computers is great (1:1 ratio for computer-based classroom activities)
Student access to computers is adequate (1:2 ratio for computer-based classroom activities)
Student access to computers is fair (1:3 ratio for computer-based classroom activities)
Student access to computer is inadequate for computer-based classroom activities
Questions 45 – 55 are in relation to western STEM 30-level curriculum:
45. Which 30 level STEM course are offered by your school?
Foundations of Mathematics 30
Pre-Calculus 30
Calculus 30
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Computer Science 30
Earth Science 30
Physics 30
None
Other (please specify)
46. For each of the subjects in question 45 that are offered in your school, based on your 2024-25 enrollment, how many Gr. 12 students are set to receive credit for the following?
Foundations of Mathematics 30 #of Students Enrolled
Pre-Calculus 30: #of Students Enrolled
Calculus 30 #of Students Enrolled
Biology 30: #of Students Enrolled
Chemistry 30: #of Students Enrolled
Computer Science 30: #of Students Enrolled
Earth Science 30: # of Students Enrolled
Physics 30: # of Students Enrolled
47. Are these numbers reflective or comparable to the 2023-24 school year? Please explain:
48. Are all STEM-related courses selected in question 45 & 46 offered yearly?
Yes
No, they are offered on a rotating schedule
Other (please specify)
49. If your school does not offer certain STEM courses each year, what are the main reasons?
Lack of teacher accreditation to offer the course(s).
Limited number of teachers (have to pick and choose which courses to offer)
Lack of resources or equipment
Insufficient student enrollment in those courses
Other
50. Does your school have a dedicated teacher for each of the STEM courses offered?
Yes, we have a dedicated teacher for each STEM subject
No, teachers cover multiple STEM subjects
No, STEM subjects are taught by non-specialized teachers
Other (please specify)
51. How would you describe student academic preparedness for these subjects at the highschool level?
Most students are well-prepared for STEM subjects
Some students are well-prepared for STEM subjects
Several students struggle with the academic demands of STEM subjects
Some students lack the necessary academic preparation for STEM subjects
Most students are not academically prepared for high school STEM subjects
Other (please specify)
52. How would you describe student interest in core STEM subjects and their academic preparedness for these subjects at the high school level?
High interest
Moderate interest
Low interest
53. Does your school have a dedicated guidance/career counsellor(s) for students?
a. No
b. Yes, but only part-time
c. Yes, full-time but shared with other schools
d. Yes, full-time dedicated to just your school
54. If Yes to Questions 53, What types of support and activities does the career counsellor (or others) at your school provide to high school students? (Select all that apply)
Career guidance and planning (e.g., exploring career paths, setting goals)
Information on post-secondary education options (e.g., universities, technical schools)
Assistance with college or scholarship applications
Job shadowing or internship opportunities
Workshops on job skills (e.g., resume writing, interview preparation)
Mentorship programs
Guest speakers or industry visits related to STEM fields
Other (please specify)
55. What are the main challenges students face in choosing STEM education pathways after high school? (Select all that apply)
Lack of awareness about STEM career opportunities
Financial barriers to post-secondary education
Lack of prerequisites to enter post-secondary STEM programs
Insufficient academic preparation
Lack of role models or mentors in STEM
Other (please specify)
General questions (for all respondents) (Questions 56 to 59):
56. How many accredited STEM teachers does your school have?
57. What STEM professional development (PD) is available for teachers, and how is it delivered? (Select all that apply)
In-person workshops or seminars
Online courses or webinars
Professional development days or conferences
Peer mentoring or collaboration with other teachers
No specific STEM training available
Other (please specify)
57. As new STEM career-related curriculum is developed, what are the critical steps to ensure this content effectively reaches students and leads to more First Nations students considering STEM careers (check all that apply):
Embedding First Nations knowledge into the content
Effective curriculum content development
Multi-year exposure to content
Online resources to support content.
Training for educators on the content and how to teach it.
Providing sufficient resources for hands-on learning
Embedding First Nations knowledge into the content.
Partnerships with external supports (i.e. industry representatives)
Career counseling/bridging supports
Other (please describe)
58. In your opinion what actions would have the greatest impact in increasing First Nations participation in STEM careers? Please also provide any additional comments you have related to this survey.
59. Are you willing to be contacted to provide further input into this study? If yes, please fill out the following information
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Submit
Should be Empty: