Early STEM Education

         STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

         This is a reflection of an article that can be found here!    

   This article is a representation of how we can incorporate STEM lessons into an elementary classroom. Like the article stated, educators often think that STEM lessons mostly take place in a middle or high school class rather than an elementary class. U.S. Schools have been ranked several places below the number one spot in both science and math. Our nation is quickly developing into a heavily STEM based workforce so it is important that we catch up. In so many jobs now the application of science, technology, engineering, and math take place for everyday tasks. With that being said, it is very important that we introduce these concepts at an early age. The concepts introduced at this age will not be as complex as those introduced in the later years, but it is all about scaffolding. The article also expressed that by giving them these skills their odds of gaining a job in today's world will vastly grow. How do we incorporate STEM lessons? 1. Change your view: be open to changing your lessons to incorporating an array of skills. Use words such as design, create, and model. 2. Get connected: find a support system that you can grow and learn from. President Obama has created a notion for STEM activities to be readily used. The article said, "It takes a village to effectively teach a child." 3. Integrate STEM across the curriculum: add in these new concepts to every subject in meaningful ways. 4. Give them more than just technology: although the "T" in STEM is for technology, we must guide them rather than just giving them a computer or I-pad. Your STEM lessons could very well change your students lives down the road. I had no idea how important this is! I hope that everyone will get on board with these new ideas!

“So much would be gained if all teachers—art, music, reading, social studies, math and science—were able to spend some of their precious professional development time on STEM. The principles of STEM—critical thinking, asking good questions, observation and exploration—are truly at the heart of every discipline." - Dr. Shelley Green, a professor of STEM education at Nova Southeastern University