Toolkit for the Interdisciplinary Infusion of the SDGs into Classrooms

Trades and Technology

The following resources will provide instructors with materials to support, introduce and infuse the SDGs into Trades and Technology lessons.

New! Living Labs from BCIT

Visit the Living Labs at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). BCIT’s campuses as Living Labs of sustainability initiative is a pan-institutional, collaborative approach to hands-on learning that uses the campus as a vehicle to engage students, faculty and staff in solving real-world challenges.

The term “Living Lab” references an approach to research that is participatory in nature. Research subjects and even the researchers themselves become participants who interact through the course of their daily lives with whatever it is that is being tested. Through their interactions, participants learn about how what is being tested performs, how people learn to adapt to it, and how improvements can be made.

  • Living Labs:
    • foster skills development through access to campus infrastructure and information,
    • demonstrate leading edge technologies and equipment, and
    • present opportunities to conceptualize, design and implement solutions that advance the state of practice.
  • 30 Self Nudges for the SDGs is an SDG i-Level Project that launched the Self-Nudging Online Toolkit for University Staff on SDGs. Self-Nudges help remind university teachers and staff of the relevance of their work to the SDGs, prompting them to think about sustainable development, apply this mental framework to their work and as a result create more contributions to SDGs while feeling better about what they do. A continuous and reinforced engagement with the SDGs will create a mindset conducive to forging new individual contributions to sustainable development and the SDGs.
  • Visit the Canada Green Building Council who provides the products and services the building sector needs to construct and manage buildings that are easier on resources, healthier for people, and more cost-effective. They work with the sector to influence standards, develop best practices, and educate the market on the benefits of green buildings.
  • Visit ISTE Standards for Educators whose mission is to provide a framework for integrating technology into teaching, promoting student empowerment and learning. This resource can serve as classroom support material to guide educators in implementing technology standards.
  • Visit Learning Library (ISTE) which Offers a wealth of information including blog posts, podcasts, books, and journals on utilizing technology in education. While aimed at members, there’s still a significant amount of accessible content that can support classroom teaching on technology’s role in education.
  • Visit Skills Council of Canada: Empowering Diversity in the Workplace who are dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable access to education and employment opportunities, the Skills Council of Canada stands as a pivotal ally for educators in trades and technology. With a mission centered on enhancing job readiness and growth, the Council collaborates with government bodies, employers, and communities to deliver tailored skill development programs. Its initiatives, spanning from strategic partnerships to comprehensive resources for lifelong learning, are designed to dismantle barriers and unite individuals through shared goals of equality and opportunity.
  • Visit the US Green Building Council whose mission is to transform how buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable, and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing. Read the report about the synergies between the SDGs and LEED and how LEED can contribute towards meeting the SDGs
Coding
  • Canada Learning Code They envision a prosperous Canada in which all people have the skills and confidence to harness the power of technology to create a better and more inclusive future. CLC brings accessible computer science to communities across Canada so everyone can create with technology. They do this by partnering with educators, designing resources, and delivering learning experiences
  • Girls Who Code values diversity, equity and inclusion. The organization is reaching girls around the world and are on track to close the gender gap in new entry-level tech jobs by 2030 and over half of the girls they serve come from historically underrepresented group. They offer online resources, campaigns, books, advocacy work along with in-person programming such as the Summer Immersion Program, Clubs, and College Loops.
Cyber Security
  • Codewars – Offers coding challenges known as kata, which help practice security concepts and programming skills.
  • Hack The Box – An online platform allowing you to test and advance your skills in cyber security and penetration testing.
  • picoCTF – A computer security game targeted at middle and high school students that involves solving various challenges to find “flags.”
Data Analytics
  • Codecademy’s Learn SQL – Tailored for beginners, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to SQL, covering topics such as queries, data manipulation, and intricate joins.
  • DataCamp Courses – Providing a wide array of courses focused on data analytics, this platform caters to individuals at all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users.
  • FreeCodeCamp’s Data Analytics with Python – This course emphasizes the utilization of Python for data analysis purposes, encompassing areas such as data manipulation, visualization, and various analytical techniques.
Data Science
  • DataCamp Courses – Provides comprehensive learning paths in data science, from introductory to advanced topics.
Web Development
  • Khan Academy Computer Programming – Through interactive tutorials covering drawing, animation, and game development, this program guides learners through JavaScript coding step by step.

  • Go Construct provides extensive resources aimed at educating about careers in construction and the built environment. This includes lesson plans for various educational stages, interactive learning projects, and guides on apprenticeships which are excellent for understanding the practical aspects of trades​.
  • Let’s Talk Science offers resources that help students explore skilled trades careers and understand apprenticeships. These resources are designed to give students insights into various trades, the training required, and career opportunities, which could be very useful for your purposes
  • Share My Lesson offers a range of industrial and technology education lesson plans suitable for various educational levels from middle school to adult education. These include detailed project-based learning activities such as machining blueprints and CNC plasma cutting projects​.
  • Digital Transformation in the Automotive Industry – Tesla This case study from Whatfix illustrates Tesla’s innovative use of over-the-air updates to enhance vehicle performance and safety. It’s a prime example of how modern technology can transform traditional industries and might be useful for discussions on technological integration in vocational training​.
  • Harvard Business Publishing Education While primarily focused on business education, Harvard Business Publishing offers a variety of case studies that can be adapted for educational purposes in different fields, including trades and technology. These cases often explore technological innovation and management, offering rich narratives that can help frame discussions around technology application in trades education​​.
  • Office of Educational Technology The U.S. Department of Education offers detailed case studies about districts that have effectively implemented technology to support teaching and learning. These examples highlight best practices and lessons learned in integrating technology across curricula, which could be very useful for instructors in trades and technology​.
  • Ontario’s New Tech-Ed Curriculum Ontario is modernizing its computer studies and technological education curriculum to better prepare students for future job markets. This initiative focuses on updating educational standards to include more relevant technological skills, which could be highly applicable for a case study on education reform in trades and technology​​.
  • Stanford’s AI in Education This study looks at the integration of AI technologies in the classroom, highlighting both the potential educational benefits and the challenges, such as the need for policies around its use. This could be a great case study for exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and educational practices​.

  • Visit the Construction Resource Centre that provides a technology development and deployment business environment focused on the construction sector. The R&D expertise supports industry in key areas including building envelope and materials, civil engineering and infrastructure, intelligent building operations, human-building interaction, building information management, carbon accounting, life cycle assessment and fire safety. 
  • Visit the ITC SheTrades that aims to create the right conditions and capacities for women to thrive in global trade. They align with SDG #5 and offer a one-stop-shop for women to learn, network, and access market and investment opportunities. Through SheTrades Hubs, they collaborate with national and regional host institutions across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East and North Africa to deliver customized solutions for women in trade.
  • Visit the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fair Trade Small Producers and Workers  CLAC co-owns the Fairtrade International system. CLAC, established in 2004, is the network that represents all organizations certified as “Fairtrade” in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as other organizations of fair trade; its mission is to represent and promote the interests, empowerment and development of its members and communities. There initiatives support sustainable development, inclusion and equity, empowerment and innovation.
  • Visit Skilled Trades Ontario which is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario. This site offers information about trades, apprenticeship and a resource hub.
  • Listen to Cleantech Talk. These podcasts discuss the latest news in clean technologies and renewable energy solutions, tackling issues crucial for sustainable development in trades and technology sectors.
  • Listen to The Construction Leading Edge. These podcasts are for construction business owners and leaders who aim to integrate sustainability into their projects. It addresses various challenges and innovative practices within the construction industry that align with sustainable development goals.
  • Listen to The Energy Gang. These podcasts cover topics on clean energy, renewables, and solutions to move towards a sustainable energy future, which can be directly related to SDGs, especially those focusing on affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), industry innovation (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13).
  • Listen to the podcast Engineering Matters that discusses a wide range of engineering topics, including the creation of sustainable infrastructures and innovative solutions that support the SDGs, such as clean water, renewable energy, and urban resilience.
  • Listen to GreenBiz 350 which provides weekly insights on the intersection of business, technology, and sustainability, covering how companies are incorporating SDGs into their business models and operations.
  • Listen to IDH sustainable development Trades Podcast by The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). It delves into the intricate connection between trade and sustainable development. Through insightful interviews with global experts, the podcast navigates the path towards more equitable and environmentally friendly trade practices. From monitoring responsible soy production to exploring collaborative solutions, each episode offers valuable perspectives shaping the future of trade.
  • Listen to Trade Talk by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD). Your gateway to understanding the complexities of trade and its implications for sustainable development. Through engaging interviews with policymakers, academics, and business leaders, the podcast explores a diverse array of trade-related topics. From examining the socio-economic impacts of trade agreements to discussing strategies for sustainable trade practices, each episode offers valuable insights into shaping a more inclusive and environmentally conscious global economy.
  • Listen to Trade Wins a thought-provoking podcast meticulously crafted to offer insights from top-tier experts, aiding listeners in navigating the dynamic landscape of today. With a keen focus on global trade and investment, the podcast serves as a beacon of empowerment for its vast global audience and their business networks. Through riveting discussions, Trade Wins delves into the future of global health, shedding light on how businesses drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the realms of science and global health diplomacy.
  • Read the Green City Index by Siemens that provides readers with the key lessons on how to build a greener city and a number of global comparisons between regions and cities.
  • Explore the ITC Publications (SheTrades Initiative) for comprehensive insights into initiatives aiming to enhance women’s participation in trade. Delve into various publications detailing their impact and outcomes, offering in-depth analysis and valuable insights. Access these resources at SheTrades Publications.
  • Discover the Key Initiatives (ISTE) focusing on crucial areas such as artificial intelligence in education, digital citizenship, and STEAM. Gain valuable insights into current trends and future directions in technology education through information on these initiatives, including potential reports and analyses. Learn more at ISTE Key Initiatives.
  • Engage with the Trade and Sustainability Hub 2024 organized by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). This event brought together thought leaders to discuss building cooperative trade policies for sustainable development. Gain insights into current discussions on making trade more sustainable and inclusive at Trade and Sustainability Hub 2024.
  • Dive into the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) World Trade Report 2022 – Climate Change and International Trade. This report explores the intricate connections between climate change and international trade, emphasizing the vital role of trade in reducing emissions and adapting to climate change impacts. Explore detailed insights at the World Trade Report 2022.