I can't say too much about how I've have taken the initiative to further promote science and STEM careers as I am only a substitute teacher this year.
What I can say is that there are a group of retired doctors, and scientist that have taken it upon themselves to do their own promoting of STEM careers and science in general, by volunteering at a small school and conducting science lessons apart from the district's curriculum. I heard about this when I saw them with a group of students and inquired about this. I make it a point when I'm subbing at that school to remind students as to when they will next visit, and if there's time, try to review some of the concepts covered from the previous visit. I also have them write questions down and to take these with them for the next science lesson.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
The article "What's Our Sputnik?" (Freidman, 2010) without a doubt had some valid points. We must do what we can with young students enter STEM fields.
Years ago, when we successfully landed a man on the moon, and brought him safely back to earth, we were responding to a potential threat from another super power, the Soviet Union.
Although we did become more knowledgable, productive, and efficient in our various systems, we still seem today to be responding to others, instead of doing what we can to help our own country prosper, and its help its people feel secure.
The changes the author would like to see happen are not far fetched, but should be looked at realistically. First, and foremost, we must find ways to motivate young students to seriously consider STEM careers. But this will take more than enthusiasm to achieve, it will take a collective effort from teachers, AND parents, as well as the community to teach kids to determine what their goals are, and more importantly, what it will take to get there. We need to promote time, patience, and hard work. We need to counter the instant gratification that plagues our society. Young people need to understand what is behind those instant messages, and high speed internet, and social medias.
Years ago, when we successfully landed a man on the moon, and brought him safely back to earth, we were responding to a potential threat from another super power, the Soviet Union.
Although we did become more knowledgable, productive, and efficient in our various systems, we still seem today to be responding to others, instead of doing what we can to help our own country prosper, and its help its people feel secure.
The changes the author would like to see happen are not far fetched, but should be looked at realistically. First, and foremost, we must find ways to motivate young students to seriously consider STEM careers. But this will take more than enthusiasm to achieve, it will take a collective effort from teachers, AND parents, as well as the community to teach kids to determine what their goals are, and more importantly, what it will take to get there. We need to promote time, patience, and hard work. We need to counter the instant gratification that plagues our society. Young people need to understand what is behind those instant messages, and high speed internet, and social medias.
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