One of our programs is the Experimental Design Program, which provides math and science fair project support to K-12 students and educators. This program teaches students how to design and conduct experiments for math and science fairs. They utilize research, laboratory and scientific literacy skills gained through individual and group learning opportunities as well as mentoring. This program improves the quantity and quality of math and science fair projects for students by providing schools with undergraduate students, graduate students and professional mentors with science technology, engineering and math backgrounds.
Engaging students in scientific research during their secondary education is a wonderful opportunity for STEM career exploration. When engaging the students in research they get an opportunity to get full exposure to what most STEM professionals that have a traditional career path, engage in research. When working on a research project, they are answering questions, learning about scientific concepts and principles, reading the work of other STEM professionals, learning laboratory and research techniques. They also learn valuable scientific literacy skills of reading, writing and talking science. If they enjoy research while they are a K-12 student, they will hopefully make steps to pursue a STEM career. If they don't enjoy research, they will learn valuable skills that they can transfer to any career path they chose. The great thing about K-12 student exploring career at any early age is that they can back better decisions and steps towards pursue their desired career path
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Why is STEM such a hot topic right now?
In 2005, when SEM Link was founded there wasn't much talk about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);nor was there such a focus on math and science education. The focus in education was the basics the three R's- reading, riting (writing) and rithmetic (arithmetic) and test scores. But now the tides have turned and everyone is talking about STEM and math and science education. Although I am not sure why, I have noticed several changes in how STEM and STEM education is viewed and the resources that have been poured into by corporations, government agencies and nonprofits.
As the world economy is becoming more global, the United States is realizing that if we want to remain a global superpower some things have to change. Some of the countries that are emerging as leaders in our global economy have strong math and science education and a strong STEM sector. Therefore part of this buzz about math and science is realizing that the innovation of society is dependent of STEM. If we want to have a strong STEM sector, it starts with the quality of the math and science education we provide to our youth.
Secondly, the leadership of the country changed. Yes, President Obama is a strong supporter of math and science education. He has made one of the focuses of his administration and has made several speeches about its importance. But in the past few years, corporations and government agencies are realizing that the current STEM workforce is preparing to retire soon and there isn't anyone in the pipeline to replace them. Therefore, corporations and government agencies have been pouring resources into K-16 education to ensure there is a future pipeline for the STEM workforce. What they also have realized is that the current STEM workforce isn't a reflection of our diverse society. Therefore there are resources targeted towards encouraging historically underrepresented populations to pursue STEM careers.
Finally, there are efforts to make pursuing STEM careers cool for children. I read a press release today about a campaign to promote Rock Stars of Science. I would have never put rock stars and science together. In addition, many celebrities such as Mos Def and Mary J. Blige have been involved in campaign to encourage youth to pursue STEM careers.
I'm very excited that STEM careers are being pushed because I truly believe if you want to look at the strength of a nation and its economy, you can look at the strength of the STEM sector. I just want to be sure that we do all we can to "unveil potential through exposure" and create the pipeline for the future STEM workforce.
As the world economy is becoming more global, the United States is realizing that if we want to remain a global superpower some things have to change. Some of the countries that are emerging as leaders in our global economy have strong math and science education and a strong STEM sector. Therefore part of this buzz about math and science is realizing that the innovation of society is dependent of STEM. If we want to have a strong STEM sector, it starts with the quality of the math and science education we provide to our youth.
Secondly, the leadership of the country changed. Yes, President Obama is a strong supporter of math and science education. He has made one of the focuses of his administration and has made several speeches about its importance. But in the past few years, corporations and government agencies are realizing that the current STEM workforce is preparing to retire soon and there isn't anyone in the pipeline to replace them. Therefore, corporations and government agencies have been pouring resources into K-16 education to ensure there is a future pipeline for the STEM workforce. What they also have realized is that the current STEM workforce isn't a reflection of our diverse society. Therefore there are resources targeted towards encouraging historically underrepresented populations to pursue STEM careers.
Finally, there are efforts to make pursuing STEM careers cool for children. I read a press release today about a campaign to promote Rock Stars of Science. I would have never put rock stars and science together. In addition, many celebrities such as Mos Def and Mary J. Blige have been involved in campaign to encourage youth to pursue STEM careers.
I'm very excited that STEM careers are being pushed because I truly believe if you want to look at the strength of a nation and its economy, you can look at the strength of the STEM sector. I just want to be sure that we do all we can to "unveil potential through exposure" and create the pipeline for the future STEM workforce.
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About SEM Link
- SEM Link
- Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link, Inc. (SEM Link), a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, was founded in 2004 on the premise that exposure to members of the science, engineering and mathematics (SEM) communities is critical to student development in math and science. Our mission is to promote student achievement and career exploration in math and science while increasing student exposure to the science, engineering and mathematics communities and enhancing resources that are available at local schools and community organizations. Our two core programs, Math and Science Career Academy and Experimental Design Program, provide students with an opportunity to develop their math and science skills by enhancing the classroom learning experience and teaching them skills that are transferable to other areas of life. We recruit students and professionals for our programs that have backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.