Stem+Council+Fall+2010

=STEM Council= =Fall 2010=

STEM refers to the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM initiatives started as a way to promote education in these related areas so that students would be prepared to study STEM fields in college and pursue STEM-related careers. Schools with a strong emphasis on STEM education often integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into the entire curriculum. ** Why STEM Education is Important ** Students need an education with a solid foundation in STEM areas so that they are prepared to both work and live in the 21st Century. Since the 1960s, the demand for skills has changed significantly - the demand for routine manual task skills have decreased while the demand for non-routine interactive tasks have increased significantly. Workforce projections for 2014 by the U.S. Department of Labor show that 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations require significant science or mathematics training to successfully compete for a job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional information technology (IT) jobs will increase 24% between 2006 and 2016. However, as jobs requiring a solid background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are growing – more students are choosing not to major in these areas.
 * What is STEM Education? **

"What is STEM?" Group Activity
Choose a resource below to read and report to the group.

Guiding questions:

Websites:
Online Workshop on the Design Process

[]

National Math Panel: Critical Foundations for Algebra

[]

Critical Foundations of Algebra

[]

Major Topics of Algebra

[]

Encouraging Girls in Math & Science

[]

PBS Science & Technology Activity Packs

[]

CTE's Role in STEM

[]

CTE's Role in Energy and Environmental Sustainability

[]

HIgh School Invention Grants

[]

USA Science and Engineering Festival

[]

Reports:
Why So Few? Women in STEM?



PA's STEM Report Card

[]

STEM Report

[]

Building a STEM Agenda

[]

What it Takes: Pre-K-12 Design Principles to Broaden Participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

[]

[]