Teaching high school students about STEM
A teacher wrote to me: “I want my high school students to learn more about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM.) However, how do I get them interested in STEM?
Answer: First they need to know about STEM and what are they. As a teacher, you could explain to them about STEM areas, but the important thing is to make them aware of the challenges and opportunities they will face in the future. Today we all are living in a time where technology changes many things and changes very quickly. Many students do not know much about the impact that technological change will have on their lives, so they do not think about how to prepare for their future. To get students interested in STEM, they must understand how changes will impact them, and how STEM skills can help them.
For example, you can tell them that STEM is important because it impacts everybody and every country and every part of our lives. Science is everywhere for many years. (Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, etc.) Technology is expanding into every aspect of our lives. (Computer, Mobile phone, the Internet) Engineering is the basic designs of our infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings as well as the changing environment. (Civil Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, etc.) Mathematics is an important part of every job, every career, and every activity in our lives. (Arithmetic, Calculus, Statistics, etc.) By giving them opportunities to explore STEM-fields, they will understand the important and hopefully pursue a career in a STEM field.
As a teacher, you should encourage students to discuss the challenges that they may encounter in their lives and what they should do for their future. The best way is to assign them to read more about technology changes and its impact and bring these topics to class for discussion. Today, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as every country is facing the challenges of both globalization and a technology-driven economy. To succeed in this highly competitive world, students need to develop their knowledge and skills in STEM areas to higher levels, beyond the basics in the past. Students should come to a conclusion that STEM is the foundations of all innovation occurring in the world, and they need STEM skills to survive. To compete in a global economy, STEM education and careers must be a national priority. You can help them to find out what inspires them and discuss certain fields in STEM such as computer science, medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, etc.
After the students are engaged in certain areas, you could define a problem for them to solve by using certain technologies. This problem-solving exercise can help them to identify opportunity, develop a solution, learn more about technology and develop their interest. You can also help develop students' critical thinking skills by having students evaluate a commercial product or service or idea. For example, the benefits of iPads tablet in classrooms; the use of mobile phone in healthcare, etc.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
