How Children Are Nurtured into Pursuing STEM careers

This weekend, I was writing a grant that focused on math and science education initiatives for K-3 students, parents and educators. The funder for this grant was focusing on the primary grades because they wanted children to get a good foundation for academic achievement in math and science. I thought it was a great idea to get kids achieving in math and science at such an early age because it gives them a chance to become academically prepared to pursue STEM careers. Many children that have an interest in math and science don't do so because they aren't academically prepared to major in STEM disciplines in college.

As I was writing this grant, I called my aunt who is former elementary school teacher. We were discussing my personal theory on student learning and achievement in STEM, how school systems operation and a myriad of other topics related to elementary education. I use my aunt as a resource from time to time because I had the privilege of growing up with her in my home until I was in the 3rd or 4th grade and I know that having her in my home had a huge impact on my educational foundation. During our conversation, we were talking about my inquisitiveness, love for learning and reading and other things about my elementary school experience. I asked her did my inquisitive nature as a child was why I was drawn to math and science. I thought so, but she wasn't quite sure. She believed that I may have succeeded in any discipline that I chose because of my love of reading and learning.

Since that conversation I have been thinking what causes children to have an interest in math and science and eventually pursue those fields. We all know that in math and science you are constantly asking and answering questions and solving problems; so children that are interest in math and science does have to be inquisitive. However, I also believe that children have a naturally inclination to certain subject areas, hobbies and interests. So I think it is important for parents and educators to work together to find out what those are for each child and expose and encourage them in that.

One of my favorite educators, Marian Wright Edelman said "Parents have become so convinced educators know what is best for children that they forget that they themselves are really the experts". I firmly believe in this quote, because I recall a story of my mother telling me that my kindergarten teacher didn't think that I was going to do well because I didn't go to pre-K. What she didn't realize is that I had all of my formative learning experiences with my mother and aunt; because my learning was outside of the classroom I performed better than many of my peers. So if we want to ensure that our children have a strong educational foundation, feel confident in their natural talents, abilities and gifts, we must provide outside of classroom learning experiences for them.

I am going to shift the focus on how to create a nurture your children that have an strong interest or ability in math or science because that is why our mission as an organization. What I have realized that in many elementary schools, students don't get a great experiences and exposure to math and science for several reasons. Some of it is due to lack of professional development with elementary teachers. Many elementary teachers don't have a strong background in math and science nor an interest in these subjects. Math doesn't suffer as much as science because math skills are tested on most standardized tests. However, not all school districts test children on what they are learning in science. There are some classrooms where children only get to do an hour of science each week. Since elementary school is where kids get their educational foundation, if they aren't exposed to science then, the chances of them having an interest in science are slim to none.

The key to ensuring that we create an environment that encourage children to achieve and have an interest in math and science is to create as many outside of classroom learning experiences as we can for our children. The internet is a great educational tool for kids, there are websites where you can find homework help, kids can play educational games, you can learn about current research in math and science and you can find experiments to conduct at home. The next outside of classroom experiences that you should take advantage of is visiting the science museums, aquariums, planetariums and other informal educational institutions in your area. Another resource is to take advantage of programs that are offered in your community that provide students with an opportunity to engage in hands on math and science activities or explore STEM careers; most of these programs are at colleges or universities or community organizations. But you as a parent must provide the continuum of learning for your child that extends beyond the school walls into your home. Although organizations such as SEM Link will do all we can to promote student achievement and career exploration in math and science, you as parents and guardians have to take responsibility for "unveiling potential through exposure" for your children.