Forward Education is honoured to partner with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) as they integrate the Climate Action Kit into the Fostering Indigenous Innovation in Robotics Education (FIIRE) program. FIIRE blends traditional ecological knowledge with modern technology, empowering students to explore robotics, coding, and climate science through a cultural lens. The first set of indigenized lessons and projects, authored by FIIRE, is now available on Forward Education’s learning platform, with more to come.
Integrating Indigenous Perspectives on STEM for a Sustainable Future
FIIRE is an AISES initiative that empowers educators and students to explore coding and robotics through the lens of renewable energy, sustainability, and traditional Indigenous wisdom. The program provides hands-on STEM tools, including micro:bits and Climate Action Kits, and culturally relevant lessons that connect Indigenous knowledge with engineering and computer science.
Each lesson introduces students to a specific Indigenous Nation, its language, cultural values, and environmental challenges. Students learn about the community and explore technologies that can help address its sustainability needs, combining traditional knowledge with coding and engineering skills.
Many tribal nations are the most vocal leaders for protecting our environment and ecosystems, and often the communities who are directly impacted by climate change. From sea level rise in coastal regions to urban heat islands in the desert and deforestation in forested territories, these challenges affect livelihoods, culture, and the future of generations to come.
Empowering Future Indigenous STEM Leaders
Through education, students learn about these problems and how they impact specific communities so they can understand them, conceptualize them, and plan their careers as problem-solvers. The FIIRE program positions students as the experts, fully capable of leading solutions. It gives them voice, confidence, and the opportunity to connect traditional knowledge with modern technology.
Climate change is everyone’s problem, and everyone has an opportunity to do something about it, especially Native students, whose perspectives, lived experiences, and cultural knowledge are essential to creating a sustainable future.
Forward Education is proud to support AISES in making these resources widely accessible, ensuring both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students can learn from the values of community, stewardship, and collective action deeply embedded in Indigenous traditions. This collaboration is a shared opportunity to grow together through education.
Primary audiences for these new resources include Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators and leaders who support academic success and cultural connection in their communities. Educators interested in learning more can explore:
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FIIRE Program: https://aises.org/fostering-indigenous-innovation-in-robotics-education/
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AISES Membership: https://aises.org/membership/
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FIIRE Lesson Library on Forward Education: https://learn.forwardedu.com/lesson-library/?topic=FIIRE+Indigenous+Perspectives
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About AISES and the FIIRE Program
AISES is a national nonprofit working to increase the representation of Indigenous peoples in STEM. Its Fostering Indigenous Innovation in Robotics Education (FIIRE) initiative empowers K-12 public, private, and tribal schools to explore coding and robotics through renewable energy, sustainability, and traditional Indigenous knowledge. FIIRE pairs hands-on STEM learning with culturally relevant lessons, training, stipends, and ongoing support to inspire the next generation of Indigenous innovators.
About Forward Education
Forward Education creates hands-on, purpose-driven STEAM learning experiences that prepare students to solve real-world challenges. Our micro:bit-powered coding and robotics kits, smart accessories, and maker tools build critical thinking, coding, and engineering skills while engaging students in sustainability, renewable energy, and global problem-solving. With over 10,000 kits in 500+ schools worldwide, we partner with educators and organizations to help students of all skill levels create, prototype, and innovate for a brighter future.
