Michael's Updates

Welcome to my Educational Adventures!
Bienvenue dans mes aventures éducatives!

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Here you will find information about some of the work and research I have or am currently involved in. My current research revolves around formal/informal science education, participant-based mobile learning and curriculum theory. More specifically,  I am interested in the theory and practice of a critically empowering science and environmental education for students and future teachers. In addition to my professional CV, you can learn about the various research and service projects I am currently working on. I also maintain a blog on science education and the world. Here you can also find links to other individuals and organizations that share my research interests. Education is an adventure! Let's see what we can do together. You can reach me at: [email protected]. 
This educational site and my work gratefully acknowledges the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation where I live and work today. ​
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STEM Education
to the next power!
Interested in getting involved?
(STEM)2 is looking for, volunteers educators, and STEM experts who are interested in helping develop the podcast series. 

For more information, contact (STEM)2 via email at: [email protected] ​

Summer Podcast Series - Island STEAM
​Living and Learning the "Island Life" 

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Islands by Sacha Gregoire
Series 9 Episode 1: Island STEAM - Why Teachers & Students Should Explore Island Life in Schools —  In the first episode of our Island STEAM series we explore STEAM education within the context of the world’s diverse islands and communities. There more than 600,000 diverse islands around the world with at least 11,000 of them inhabited by people. More specifically, we explore how large scientific studied phenomenon such as climate change impact Arctic, desert and tropical islands around the Earth. More specifically we look at how teachers can use islands in STEAM as diverse models for scientific research and change as it relates to how diverse communities adapt to significant environmental challenges in the 21st century. In the news we discuss how Pacific Islander secondary students are advocating for increased scientific literacy in schools and communities and the UN’s recent report on how rising sea levels threaten many low lying islands and communities. (Coming Soon) 

News Link: Saving cultural and heritage sites on islands 

News Link: Pacific Island Students advocating for climate literacy

News Link: How rapid climate change in Greenland will affect us all. 
Series 9 Episode 2: Island STEAM - How Arctic, Desert and Tropical Islands are Utilizing Science and Technology in Schools and Society —  In the second episode of our Island STEAM series we explore how science and technology are utilized in helping islands adapt to the technological and environmental challenges posed by climate change explored in our first episode. More specifically we look at how Greenland is using long range drones to document receding ice pack and how small Pacific Island nations and the Canary Islands are integrating renewable energy systems to build more resilient energy and water purification systems. Each of these examples illuminates just one of thousands of ways diverse island communities are adapting in the 21st century that can also be utilized in teaching and learning activities. 

News Link: Windracer Drones in Greenland Climate Research

News Link: Pacific Island Nations Invest in Renewable Energy

News Link: Using Tidal Energy to Desalinate Water in the Canaries
Series 9 Episode 3: Island STEAM - Engineering and Ecology that Includes 3D Island Building Activities for Students —  In the third episode of our Island STEAM series we explore 3D island modelling and building can enhance students understanding of science and engineers in ways that particularly benefit our visually exceptional learners. Like information presented in previous episodes, the physical construction of islands can be deeply steeped in place-based learning and direct observation of arctic, temperate, tropical, desert and/or volcanic islands as an individual/class based learning activity that can be shared with the rest of your school and families at STEAM nights. In the news we look at the engineering of artificial reef building in Malaysia and geothermal partnerships between Island and Columbia. We have included a link to a middle school island building activity as well for educators wanting to see and example of how 3D island building might be incorporated into the classroom. 

News Link: 7 Amazing Malaysian Marine Conservation Projects

News Link: Columbia and Iceland Agree to Bilateral Geothermal Energy Development 

Lesson Link: Build and Island - Middle School Topography Lesson 


Series 9 Episode 4: Island STEAM - Protecting the Past and Fostering the Future in Art and Culture —  In fourth episode we are examining aesthetics and art-based education in island STEAM. More specifically we will be looking at how the worlds thousands of uninhabited and inhabited islands provide a rich natural and cultural mosaic of curiosity and arts-based inspiration connected to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Lessons and activities tied to place-based learning that includes activities, themes, and units connected to the world’s diverse islands enriches learning for all students through the infusion of drawing, journaling, poetry, music and other forms of visual performance. The news in this episode explores how islands around the world are using STEAM to protect and preserve historic and cultural sites from ocean level rise. We also discuss New Zealand’s earth science explorations of how the arts weaves into the sciences and look at the value of nature journaling for students of all ages.

News Link: Why Heritage Sites are at Risk in Warming World? 

News Link: New Zealand - The Science of Art or the Art of Science?

Activity Link: Journaling With Children of Every Age 


Series 9 Episode 5 : Island STEAM - Multicultural Education and Language Connections  — In the final episode of the summer Island STEAM we are exploring the importance of multicultural inclusion in Island STEAM that also decolonizes teaching and learning processes. More specifically we will be looking at how the sheer cultural and linguistic diversities existing in island communities around the world require educational process that acknowledge the complex educational and colonial histories existing in many of the world’s inhabited worlds today. Like previous episodes in this series, place-based learning that also centres on the cultural practices, perspectives and histories of the world’s diverse communities as it relates to STEAM education requires more collaborative, culturally centred and decolonizing educational practices in teaching and learning that not only benefits our students but the surrounding communities and society as well. In the news we look at island statistics, the impact of colonization on islands and indigenous tourism on Vancouver Island.
Math Link: How many islands are there in the world? 

Education Link: How colonialism still shapes extinctions today, from species losses to disappearing languages. ​

News Link: 5 Indigenous Tours on Vancouver Island
We are currently developing SERIES 10 of the (STEM)2 podcast. Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas to: [email protected] 

Click here to listen to the first eight series of the (STEM)2 podcast.

New ABC Early Reader Series
Starting Production!
Teachers, Families and Kids! Get ready for a new ABC Early Reader STEAM series about children at an international space school who are exploring the amazing diversity of wildlife found on Earth. This series is designed for families and teachers to read with K and Grade 1 students with high Grade 1 and 2 students (and beyond) being able to read the wildlife series independently. Each book comes with three STEAM school or home activities adults can do with young children. This series is currently in production and tune in here for more information on this educational wildlife series. 


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New Curriculum Coming in 2027!