"As the presenter, I appreciate the opportunity to speak to the children and I think it was a success! For the students, this type of event really enhances their learning and gives them insights into STEM other than studying in textbooks. This provides them with the practical, everyday applications of STEM."
- GRACE CHUI IANEVA
The STEM program offered by Somerset is truly a remarkable opportunity for students to expand their thinking and venture beyond conventional boundaries. In an era where technology is rapidly advancing and science is becoming increasingly influential in our daily lives, STEM education plays a pivotal role in equipping Somerset students with a profound understanding of how things work.
One aspect of the Somerset STEM program that I particularly appreciate is their collaboration with organizations like "the Little Inventors." This partnership encourages students from around the world to devise innovative solutions to address global issues. It not only raises students' awareness about the challenges faced globally but also fosters a sense of responsibility and active engagement.
The Female Pilot STEM speakers was an incredibly inspiring addition to the program. Seeing women in such influential roles not only motivates female students but also breaks down gender stereotypes, encouraging young women to pursue their dreams without limitations. By showcasing successful female professionals in STEM fields, Somerset provides a supportive environment that empowers young women to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Overall, Somerset's STEM program is an exceptional platform that stimulates students' curiosity, promotes critical thinking, and prepares them for the challenges of a rapidly advancing world. By fostering a global perspective, encouraging innovation, and breaking down gender barriers, Somerset is nurturing the next generation of aspiring scientists, engineers, and leaders.
- Sharanya Suresh
"I like the Somerset STEM curriculum because it helps demonstrate what is actually happening in the real world. I loved all the hands on experiments and I added my own twist at home which helped me better understand the chemical reactions. Also, most projects require using digital technology which brings out my creative ideas. I’ve learned many new things in the STEM curriculum and improved my knowledge."
- Anonymous Grade 4 Student
The "Hive to Honey Jar” workshop was another excellent STEM learning opportunity for the children at Somerset Academy. My daughter learned about and experienced the process of harvesting honey and proudly came home with her own little jar. She explained to me that they used an uncapping tool and a manual extractor. Hands-on and tactile experiences like this improve cognitive understanding and are educationally and personally enriching.
- Iris, Somerset Parent
We have two sons who are currently attending Somerset Academy. They are in grade 5 and grade 2. We are pleased that teachers of Somerset have been implementing a STEM approach to teaching. We believe the STEM approach,which encourages curiosity, creativity, hands on activities, cooperative learning, and student engagement, is one of the best approaches to prepare our sons for future successes. We have noticed that they have been doing interesting group projects, applying what they have learned to solve problems in real life situations, and asking more intuitive questions about how things work in their daily lives. Most importantly, we are happy to see that they look forward to attending classes, having fun interacting with classmates/teachers, and being independent in finding solutions. We look forward to knowing more about what they have learned and learning from them.
- Jon and Phyllis
On behalf of the First Canadian Chapter of the Ninety-Nines International Women Pilot organization, we would like to thank Somerset Academy for giving us the opportunity to introduce your students to the world of Aviation. The STEM program at Somerset Academy is an amazing way to expand students’ horizon and explore STEM topics.
We would like to acknowledge Somerset Academy’s STEM coordinators, Jyothy Mathur and Ayesha Hassan, for organizing this event and showing their support for our initiative. We were particularly impressed by the students’ engagement in our presentation; every group was eager to participate and had wonderful and insightful questions for us pilots!
It is important to expose students to the vast array of opportunities they have, and Somerset Academy is doing just that! We hope that by sharing our passion for aviation, your students will be encouraged to follow their dreams and to understand that they are capable of achieving great things. Perhaps, some may even become future pilots!
- Meera Bissonauth, Commercial Pilot, Heather Hills, First Officer, and Dorothy You, Student Pilot (First Canadian Chapter, Ninety-Nines International Women Pilots Organization)

In this unprecedented time, our kids are still having fun and engaging in interesting, challenging projects such as building a durable bridge with only popsicle sticks, straws, and tapes that can hold up as many pennies as possible, designing and building a stand-up Pringles ring, building the warmest house using recycle materials, etc.
These STEM projects foster the kids’ creativity, research skills, and application of knowledge during the design phase, hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills during the Building phase, and critical-thinking skills during the Evaluation phase, when they assessed what worked well and what could be improved upon.
Aside from these interesting projects, Somerset also invited STEM speakers, so students can understand how the STEM skills are applied in real-life situations and occupations.
Students also learned through hands-on Science experiments, such as observing the chemical and physical change when leaving an egg in vinegar, mixing different solutions/powder together, finding the fastest way to melt the ice cube to get the marble out, observing how vapour is formed by leaving a water-filled ziplock bag under the sun, etc. Students also had the opportunity to research various science topics with their classmates and play math games together, throughout which they develop effective communication and collaborative skills.
In summary, we are very proud of Somerset Academy’s interactive, practical, and age-appropriate STEM teaching which prepares our kids to be well-adapted for the 21st century.
- Belle and Ronald (Parents of Candice and Jayden)