Check out this video on Ted.com from scientific giant E.O. Wilson. Listen in about the scientific revolution and traditional fields of study.

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Here is a science rap video commissioned by The National HE STEM Programme to help raise awareness of careers options surrounding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) subjects.

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Counselors, Parents and Students get a step up in STEM occupational information through the Automation Federations’ website www.automationfederation.org . Automation Federation, “the voice of automation” created awareness for the 1100 career counselors and specialists at the National Career Development Global Conference www.NCDA.org in Atlanta. Noting the importance of the skills and competencies needed in automation is key to the STEM movement.

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With data compiled from a 2006 study of minorities and their relationship to STEM, OnlineUniversities.com has produced this interesting article and infogram with 10 startling stats. Although it is not new news that minorities are missing from many STEM careers and educational programs, it is apparent based on this research that minorities have a keen interest in STEM related fields. The reason? The article states that, “…the gap exists because many minority students aren’t afforded the same educational opportunities, receiving less science and mathematics instruction from more inexperienced teachers. Lack of mentors has also been proposed as a potential problem, as well as lack of financial assistance. Again, this is further evidence that STEM opportunities need to be further integrated into our educational systems, especially those filled with disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

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As the excerpt states, “One of the most often-cited reasons for the STEM achievement gap is the lack of skilled and trained STEM teachers.” Findings indicate that a large percentage of K-12 teachers are under-qualified in STEM disciplines. As a result, students are not getting the education they need in order to be competitive in these fields. In many cases, teachers are also contending with poor workplace conditions, lack of funding, and lack of support from peers and school leadership. This report discusses what teachers, administrators, educational leaders and interested citizens can do to improve teacher retention by encouraging and improving opportunities for collaboration, support, respect, openness, and commitment to student achievement and professional development within schools. It presents original findings from a longitudinal study of public school science and math teachers in California participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

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Is it cool to be smart? Well, youth are often peer pressured into “dumbing down” their own intelligence in order to be socially accepted. Dom Testa and his foundation, The Big Brain Club (BBC), has developed a number of innovative classroom programs and maintained a network of empowered students, parents, and educators in order to break down the walls standing between the under-achieving student to the well-rounded student. In conjunction with being an online community, the BBC is an in-school program partner, resource center, and agent of change. Some of the areas they promote are writing tips and exercises, articles and essays, and the assistance in publishing student works.

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A recent longitudinal study created by the STEM Careers Awareness initiative (from 2008-2010) spanned across 30 schools in England with the hopes of evaluating the delivery of STEM subjects and careers to students. In addition, surveys were also administered to students in order to find their opinions about STEM subjects and thoughts about STEM careers. This in-depth study provides valuable information on the delivery and opinions of students regarding STEM that prove to be helpful for teachers and counselors alike.

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This blog series provides readers with insight on the valuable content that will be shared at the upcoming Career Clusters ™ Institute. Guest bloggers are among teachers, faculty, researchers and other experts that will present at the national gathering in Washington, DC in June. The session highlighted below is a pre-session, which is scheduled for Monday, June 18, 2012, 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

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