Education 101 - Putting the Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

If you've never seen the acronym STEM before, youschool year. And now with "Educate to Innovate,"
will from now on and quite often. The letters stand inthere's an even stronger push to engage all of our
for science, technology, engineering, and math, fourstudents in thinking deeply and critically in STEM
subject areas that have become a top educationalsubjects, boosting our international standing and
concern and priority from the federal government oninforming our kids about careers in related
down to the preschool level.fields--opening up possibilities for girls, as well as boys.
And with good reason.According to the National Science Foundation, while
The Third International Mathematics and Sciencewomen make up 46% of the American workforce,
Study (TIMSS) tested one-half million students fromthey hold only 25% of the jobs in engineering,
41 countries. On the science portion, American fourthtechnology, and science.
graders came in third, but slipped to 17th place inHelping to change those numbers is the stated
grade 8 and sixth from the bottom in grade 12. Inpurpose of the non-profit organization Expanding
advanced science, our kids came in last.Your Horizons, which says it is "encouraging young
In math, our fourth graders placed 12th, our 8thwomen to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering,
graders placed 17th, and our 12th graders scoredand Mathematics (STEM) careers." To that end, EYH
sixth from the bottom.coordinates 85 hands-on math and science
It is for such reasons that the Obama administrationconferences annually-and one is sure to come your
has launched its "Educate to Innovate" campaign,way.
focusing on improving America's performance in theseFor instancee, open to middle school girls, an
STEM subjects and gaining the support of majorExpanding Your Horizons conference will be held on
corporations, foundations and non-profits--evenMarch 20th at Swarthmore College. "All workshops
Discovery Communications and Sesame Street.are led by female role models who not only have a
Their aim: every child. Yes, even your preschooler. It'sdeep knowledge of the topics they teach, but also
coming, of that you can be sure. Reassuringly,serve as positive examples of successful women in
though, Temple University's Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pacektechnical fields... Our conference is perfect for girls
says, "Efforts to expand preschool science teachingwho have already discovered a passion for math or
need not necessarily conflict with young children'sscience, but it is also a great opportunity to reach
need for playtime. Science can be taught in thethose who may be beginning to lose interest in these
context of play."typically male-dominated fields. We hope you or the
And you can support those efforts at home byspecial young women in your life will consider
doing simple experiments right there in your kitchen,spending a day learning and discovering with us."
starting with your toddlers and then continuing asAverage cost to participants: only $10.65.
they get older. Such activities serve to pique curiosityMeanwhile, Wilkes University has received a $2.9
and engage youngsters in seeking answers, as theymillion Pennsylvania Department of Education grant to
learn more and more about how the world works.train middle-level teachers from five counties in math
And that's crucial.and science, including those in Montgomery County's
As President Obama has said, "Reaffirming andSpringford, Upper Perkiomen, and Perkiomen Valley
strengthening America's role as the world's engine ofschool districts. This specialized program integrates
scientific discovery and technological innovation iscontent with teaching skills, thus enhancing our
essential to meeting the challenges of this century."students' classroom experience in these core
As you know, science has been included in the Nosubjects--and the timing couldn't be better.
Child Left Behind testing mandate since the 2007-08