Learning Through Safe and Active Travel

The Daily School Route: Learning Through Safe and Active Travel
Posted on 01/15/2025
Students working on their maps and school travel

Mr. Vanden Heuval's class at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary School is embarking on an innovative pilot project titled The Daily School Route. This cross-curricular initiative integrates mathematics, science, physical and health education, language, technology, social studies, and religion, providing students with a comprehensive learning experience centred around safe routes to school.

In mathematics, students explore measurement concepts by calculating distances of their daily commutes. They also apply coding skills to program movements, enhancing their understanding of spatial relationships and computational thinking.
The social studies component focuses on the role of local government in community planning and safety. Students explore how municipal decisions affect infrastructure and promote safer travel for pedestrians and cyclists.

In science, students critically examine how scientific advancements can address real-world challenges. They investigate innovative technologies, such as robotics, that contribute to community safety, including identifying potential hazards on their routes to school. By studying the connection between science and society, students gain a deeper appreciation of how technology improves everyday life.

Through physical and health education, students explore the benefits of active transportation, such as walking or cycling to school, and its connection to physical and mental well-being. They learn how regular physical activity helps develop strong bodies, reduces stress, and promotes overall health, while also discussing the importance of safety in their community.

Technology plays a significant role in the project as students use digital tools to create personalised maps of their routes to school, including key landmarks and traffic signs. They also construct and program LEGO Spike Prime rovers to simulate their mapped routes, reinforcing technological literacy and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities.

Language skills are developed through both procedural and persuasive writing. Students create step-by-step instructions for mapping their school routes and programming their rovers, ensuring clarity and precision in their writing. They also craft compelling arguments about the importance of safe school routes. This dual focus on writing fosters logical organisation, effective communication, and advocacy skills.

In religion, students reflect on the concept of stewardship and how they are called to care for their community and one another as disciples of Christ. They explore themes of respect for creation, compassion for others, and a shared responsibility to make the world a safer and better place, inspired by Gospel values.

Incorporating the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations, students also reflect on how this project helps them develop as caring family members and responsible citizens who respect the dignity of others and contribute to the common good. They consider the moral responsibility of ensuring safe, active routes for everyone in their community, recognising their role as stewards of creation and advocates for a safer, healthier world.

The class benefits from the expertise of Daniel Chong, a key figure in the Daily School Route initiative. His knowledge of active transportation and community safety provides valuable real-world insights that enhance the students’ learning experience.

By integrating multiple disciplines and collaborating with community experts, The Daily School Route project offers a rich and holistic educational experience. Students at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary School gain practical knowledge about their community, develop essential academic and health-related skills, and deepen their understanding of the importance of safe, active travel routes. This project inspires collaboration, creativity, and a stronger connection to their local environment, all while fostering the values of compassion, responsibility, and service rooted in Catholic education.

a drawing of students mapsStudents working in groups Students working on their mapsa student using technology to create maps