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Abstract: STEM is a concept that connects Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, unlike
normal academics, STEM deals with problem-solving and interactive learning for the real world.
It is a beneficial teaching notion for the economy, community, and future. As the world develops
with the new innovations with technology, so have the increase in openings for the careers in
these fields. This learning prepares all students from different backgrounds for these
opportunities. Having a foundation in the STEM system will help establish an interest in STEM
related fields for a students future. They will also be better prepared for college level courses
and individuals pursuing these jobs will most likely earn a higher pay than in other non- STEM
related occupations. The government and school districts have seen the potential of STEM and
are implementing programs to create an enthusiasm inside of students. This will profit our
society by generating successful and creative innovators.
unit ready to retain information from experience (Graham). If a part of the network is not used
consistently, it is eliminated; this sets an important time in the students life to establish the
STEM concepts. Children are curious at a young age, here is when questions can be asked and
scientific discoveries can be made in their learning environment. STEM is also an interactive
learning, so children learn how to share and solve problems together (Nicole T., personal
communication, October 28, 2015).
History of STEM
In 1957 when the first worlds artificial satellite was launched by Russia, President Eisenhower
began a call for action in America saying:
We need scientists in the ten years ahead. They (the Presidents advisors) say we need
them by thousands more than we are now presently planning to have. The Federal government
can deal with only part of this difficulty, but it must and will do its part. The task is a cooperative
one. Federal, state, and local governments, and our entire citizenry must all do their share
(Woodruff, 2013).
After this moment there was a motivated drive in the country, bringing the birth of NASA
and other programs that made the United States more competitive (Woodruff, 2013). The
standards of science, technology, engineering, and math were positioned higher; in the 1990s the
four subjects were brought together by the National Science Foundation and given the acronym
STEM.
Recognizing these faults, companies have pushed to invest and create opportunities for
students to be interested in higher level thinking subjects. Chevron claims to be an engineering
company at heart and has given money to
aspect of
student and
teacher development side (STEM education). With the assistance of STEM, new occupations are
being developed such as a robotics engineers; these jobs are fast growing in order to keep up
with modern society.
Lack of Diversity
As a community our position in the STEM fields has a lot of gaps in diversity; almost
75% of U.S. scientists and engineers are White. In figure 1.2, the percentage of characteristics in
Stem careers is shown to the right. This issue is occurring partly because of the lack of
information and access to these high level learning subjects (Computing and Engineering, 2013).
Schools that serve minorities have been given a lower investment in education and teachers
compared to White communities (Students of color, 2012). For example, many highly populated
minority districts do not offer classes like Algebra 2 (Dervarics, 2011).
President Obama in 2009 launched Educate to Innovate, a program invested in increasing
the engagement and resources of STEM in America (Educate). This structure of teaching is
understood to be necessary in excelling worldwide. Even the Naval Academy has a summer
program focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (Summer STEM). A lot is being
invested into this because pursuing STEM related careers will bring up the economy of middle
class because the majority are high paying jobs. Studies have shown that 65 % of those with
Bachelors' degrees in STEM fields earn more than Master's degrees in non-STEM occupations
(usnews). This is not only addressing the middle class but will also be beneficial to the minority
students as it is slowly being implemented in public schools because of giving room for an
opportunity to grow in learning, since on many occasions important classes are not offered at
minority schools. Events, such as the one held in the University of Texas at Dallas are involving
girls in STEM (Introduce a girl). The Introduce a Girl to Engineering event is sponsored by
Dallas Independent School District in hope to encourage young girls through hands on activities.
Evaluating the progress that has been achieved so far gives the community a good
indicator of where to direct the new efforts. The congressional education leaders rewrote the No
Child Left Behind law, to support STEM learning (Brown, 2015). Alongside, the idea of a
stronger teaching curriculum and learning plan has been proposed to increase student work
satisfactory (Gerard & Christensen, 2016). The issue of students dropping out is very prominent
in Cleveland, Ohio because of the economically disadvantaged district. However, MC STEM
High School opened in 2008 and 95% of the first class graduated successfully (Vega, 2012). This
is showing the gradual positive increase effect of STEM in school districts.
More than 50% of STEM-related degrees are being given in Japan, China and Singapore
(Adkins 2012). This should encourage Americas need that has now risen to create an enthusiasm
in students about these four high level thinking subjects. As the support for STEM careers
increase, the United States can become stronger in the competition against other countries.
Programs and scholarships are being made available to motivate students, especially the
minorities to expand the diversity (Minority student recruitment). Elementary schools with
STEM focus are now discussed and planned (Science). New related material directed towards
young readers are being developed (Stemscopes). The world is changing, the opportunities are
endless. Together with a team effort, STEM can become the foundation for the next generation to
achieve success.
References
Adkins, R. C. (2012). America desperately needs more STEM students. Here's how to get them.
Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesleadershipforum/2012/07/09
/america-desperately-needs-more-stem-students-heres-how-to-get-them/#1de7eaf428ea.
Bajarin, T. (2015). Why Chevron is helping fund STEM education. Time. Retrieved from
http://time.com/3718812/chevron-stem-education/.
Brown, JF. (2015). STEM education coalition praises ESEA conference agreement, progress.
STEM education coalition. Retrieved from http://www.stemedcoalition.org/2015/11/19
/stem-education-coalition-praises-esea-conference-agreement-progress/.
Chen, G. (n.d.). Are public school students prepared for the real world. Public School
Review. Retrieved from http://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/are-public-schoolstudents-prepared-for-the-real-world.
Chesloff, JD. (2013). STEM education must start in early childhood. Education Week, Vol 32
(23), 27, 32. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/03/06
/23chesloff.h32.html.
Computing and engineering in afterschool. (2013). Afterschool, (62). Retrieved from
http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/issue_briefs/issue_comp_engineering_62.pdf.
Students of color still receiving unequal education. (2012). Center for American Progress.
Retrieved from https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education/news
/2012/08/22/32862/students-of-color-still-receiving-unequal-education/.
Summer Stem program. (n.d.). United States Naval Academy. Retrieved from
http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM/.
The national academies of sciences, engineering and medicine. (2014, March 6). STEM
Integration in K-12 Education. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=AlPJ48simtE.
What is STEM. (n.d.). California STEM Learning Network. Retrieved from
http://www.cslnet.org/our-agenda/what-is-stem/.
Woodruff, K. (2013). A history of STEM Reigniting the challenge with NGSS and CCSS.
Endeavor. Retrieved from http://www.us-satellite.net/STEMblog/?p=31.
Vega, V. (2012). Research-based practices for engaging students in STEM learning. Edutopia.
Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/stw-college-career-stem-research.