What+is+STEM+Activity?

= = = = = April 22, 2010 = STEM Council Meeting

= = =What is STEM Activity?=

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.
 * What is STEM Education? **

Notes: Technology eduation (a/k/a Shop) is not getting the emphasis it needs. Physics and other sciences are suffering because students do not have the basic skills like measuring. Integration is the key - K-12. Inquiry activities can promote this - Not cookie-cutter chemistry.

Teaching these together may increase motivation for students. It will increase relevance. If students know how they will use the information in classes for higher level courses they will have a reason for studying it.

Integration needs to be K-12 therefore discussion are necessary for teachers across every level in every subject. It has to start with one discussion and branch out from there.

** 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. Goals: Facilitate a STEM "fair" Develop website (Resources, updates, contact us) Explore New Worlds Recommend collaboration opportunites across grade levels.

Group Activity
Use the websites below to formulate ideas to increase membership in the STEM Council and promote STEM Activities in the schools:

Why So Few? Women in STEM?

whysofew.pdf

PA's STEM Report Card

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STEM Report

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Building a STEM Agenda

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

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Post your ideas here:
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