This document discusses research on engaging and retaining youth in STEM fields in Canada. It provides data that shows Canadian students perform well in science internationally but fewer pursue STEM careers compared to other countries. The data also shows youth generally have positive views of science when younger but interest declines with age. Key factors that can make a difference include ensuring science is taught as fun and inspiring as early as middle school, that teachers have strong STEM backgrounds, and that students are informed about STEM opportunities. Overall Canadian teens want to make contributions and solve problems, suggesting potential to increase youth pursuing STEM careers.

1. Engaging & Retaining
Youth in STEM
Lessons from Canadian Research

2. Science Culture Indicators
• 51% – population aged 25-64 with tertiary education
• 1st among OECD countries
• 93% – very/moderately interested in new scientific
discoveries and technological developments
• 1st out of 33 countries
• 32% – visited a science and technology museum at
least once in previous year
• 2nd out of 39 countries
• 30% – total employment in STEM occupations
• 22nd out of 37 countries
Council of Canadian Academies - 2014

3. Science Achievement
15-year olds – 65 OECD countries
1. Shanghai - China
2. Hong Kong - China
3. Singapore
4. Japan
5. Finland
6. Estonia
7. South Korea
8. Viet Nam
9. Poland
10. Canada
OECD PISA 2012

4. Science/Engineering Graduates
% of total new degrees
1. Luxembourg
2. South Korea
3. Finland
4. Germany
5. Greece
6. France
7. Austria
8. Sweden
9. Portugal
10. Czech Republic
11. Spain
12. Mexico
13. Estonia
14. Japan
15. United Kingdom
16. Italy
17. Ireland
18. Switzerland
19. Belgium
20. Canada
OECD 2010

5. “It is important for my country to lead
the world in science.”
Lenovo 2011
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
India Mexico Russia USA Japan UK Canada

6. “I like science.”
StatsCan 2001
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Grade 4 Grade 8 Grade 12
CHEM
BIO
PHYS

7. “I like science.”
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Age
13 14 15 16 17
Amgen/Let’s Talk Science 2014

8. “I am interested in science.”
Ipsos Reid/CFI 2010
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Age
12-13 14-16 17-18

9. “I am interested in science.”
Ipsos Reid/CFI 2010
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Age
12-13 14-16 17-18

10. Describing Science by Age
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Cool Fun Inspiring
12-13 14-16 17-18
Ipsos Reid/CFI 2010
Age:

11. Describing Science by Age
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Boring Difficult Complicated
12-13 14-16 17-18
Ipsos Reid/CFI 2010
Age:

12. Describing Science by Age
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Fun Boring
13 14 15 16 17
Amgen/Let’s Talk Science 2014
Age:

13. “I plan to pursue a STEM-related career.”
Lenovo 2011
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Mexico India Russia USA Canada UK Japan

14. Interest in post-secondary science
“a lot” + “some”
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Age
13 14 15 16 17
47
56595759
Amgen/Let’s Talk Science 2014

15. Want to study in Grade 12
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Biology Chemistry Env't Science ICT Physics Math
32
2630
242731
Amgen/Let’s Talk Science 2014

16. What makes a difference?
• Students view science as fun,
inspiring, and important
• Age 12-13 / Middle School
• Effective teachers & informed parents
Ipsos Reid/CFI 2010 & Lenovo 2011

17. “Science is important.”
Ipsos Reid/CFI 2010
68%12-18 year olds

18. “Science is more important than
when my parents were in school.”
Amgen/Let’s Talk Science 2014
69%13-17 year olds

19. Student Barriers
“My grades aren’t good enough.”
“STEM subjects are too hard.”
Poor knowledge of STEM education/
career options & opportunities
Amgen/Let’s Talk Science 2014

20. Teacher Issues
• Curriculum
• focus & overload
• Elementary (K-8) Teachers
• STEM background
• Fear & avoidance
• Secondary (9-12) Teachers
• Inquiry/research background
• Perceived role

21. Canadian teens
• Want to make a difference
• 84% want to make a useful contribution
• 79% want to help people
• 70% want to solve problems
• World-class young scientists
• Intel International Science & Engineering Fair
• Google Science Fair
Amgen/Let’s Talk Science 2014

22. reni.barlow@why2wow.ca