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Calculus to Blame for Fewer STEM Grads?

July 18th, 2016 by

Calculus is challenging, but it shouldn’t be a reason for fewer grads from STEM majors. Researchers found that a main reason students, especially women, are dropping out of STEM Majors is due to a decreased confidence and a lack of desire to take more Calculus. The students initially got into sciences or engineering most likely because they enjoyed it in high school, not because they wanted to complete difficult Math courses. They are prepared individuals and researchers found the students’ grades in Calculus are adequate, however their confidence drops after taking Calculus I and discourages the students from advancing to Calculus II. Counselors should be aware of this issue, and encourage all students not to drop out simply because of the math. There are plenty of resources available to aid with the program and Educators should help to re-build the confidence in students as well. Calculus is an essential aspect of STEM and should not be a factor preventing students from pursuing a STEM degree.

To read the full article click here.

STEM Careers Are All Around

July 14th, 2016 by

Stem careers are related to everything. They can be impacting and impacted across the political, social, scientific, and economic industries. In this case Brexit might be the reason for less cancer research in the UK. Scientists are concerned about their jobs due to loss of funding and it has sent a shock in the cancer research community. Not only may they not have sufficient funding but it also puts the industry at risk for low numbers of students and employees looking to do cancer research in the UK. When pursuing a STEM career, there are diverse possibilities and influences within the industries to keep in mind.

To read the full article click here.

Help Kids With Math In Real Life

July 13th, 2016 by

Will we use this in real life? Children always seem to ask this question when they are learning math. The answer is yes, math is everywhere. From counting money to budgeting and even taxes, math is in everyday life and usually has to do with personal finance. Geometry to Trigonometry might not be something everyone uses in their career, but everyone needs to file taxes. Although it is not challenging, children need to learn it early because math is relevant in real life. But when is it a good time to start teaching kids? – The sooner the better. This article breaks down when and how to discuss the different aspects of money. It starts from the simple exchange of goods, and then moves into the more difficult budgeting and taxes, all skills that are valuable for kids to learn. Teaching and guiding your child along the way will do wonders for how they approach money which is beneficial for their future.

To see more helpful tips click here.

Tips for Teaching Code

July 12th, 2016 by

Students today, having grown up with technology, already have the basic computer skills that used to be taught in school. The next step is to introduce coding; however, how it is introduced is what matters. Student use apps in their daily life and are familiar with a range of technologies, but coding is a different ball game, so must be taught differently. Kelly Baur asks, “how do you build a successful coding culture, where students have a programmer’s, rather than an app-user’s mindset?” It is important to keep in mind and explain to students how coding is in the real world, so students know they are learning a valuable skill. In the article it is recommended to divide students based on characteristics such as math scores and activity preferences to ensure the students working together are at the same level. More »

STEM Educators: Listen and Learn

July 8th, 2016 by

Educators! Listening to music about science is a fun and interesting way to get students engaged. Research has proven music to be very influential and can affect the listener deeply. Showing younger learners an artist they may recognize is a great way to build connections with STEM. Just like the “Fifty Nifty United States” song that we all learned growing up, catchy science songs can stick with us for life. There are over 100 videos on this site initiated by Kirk Englehardt, for educators to inspire STEM learning in the classroom.

Check out the full list of songs here.

Solutions to Increase Female STEM Professors

June 29th, 2016 by

The low number of female professors in STEM is not due to lack of female graduates. A study by the U.S. National Research Council found “more women than men are earning doctorates—yet women comprised 36 percent of assistant professors and only 27 percent of tenure candidates.” The problem is unwelcoming workplace conditions. For example female professors are looked down upon if they leave the office to pick up their children, even if they work from home the rest of the evening. The assumed motherly role females sometimes naturally have, make them less respected by males in the workplace. This type of discrimination has to end and a transformation of the work environment that accepts female professors is the way to increase them in the profession. More »

Language is Essential in STEM

June 28th, 2016 by

In our globalized economy, knowledge of different languages, cultures, and social systems is critical. Cultural competence and language education is not a top priority in U.S. schools. Recently, the U.S. Government invested to increase STEM in schools. Unfortunately, language curriculum was not included in the investment….and it should be. More »

Choose STEM, Make More Money

June 20th, 2016 by

This year, STEM majors are expected to make the most money after graduation. In a survey by National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) “more than half the employers surveyed said they planned to hire graduates with bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields, making them the most sought-after candidates entering the job market.”

Starting salaries for STEM majors are higher than any others—a compelling reason for students to get into STEM. Jobs in STEM fields are on the rise, yet hard to fill. The odds are in your favor! Learn more about STEM salaries here.