Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council’s Post

Inequities in STEM learning hinder American progress. To tackle this, the National Academies' Board on Science Education formed a 16-member expert committee. They reviewed equity issues in STEM education and provided steps for improvement in the report Equity in K-12 STEM Education: Framing Decisions for the Future. In this webinar, Committee members will overview the study's key conclusions and recommendations, and discuss future research opportunities. Register here: https://myumi.ch/5y5PD

"I'm not a science person" I've heard that reaction so many times from adults after sharing I have a PhD in chemistry. But it stings differently and more impactfully, when it comes from a student. From a kid who hides behind that identity as a protection mechanism, thinking it will lower my expectations of them, to a kid using it as an excuse to "check out." Or a kid who just is not that interested in the content because their passion is in drama, or political science, or poetry, or fine arts, or.... I've found that when a student takes on that as part of their identity, it is rooted in not having experienced science yet. The true experience of developing an experiment you care about, the struggle of carrying it out, gathering data, and the satisfaction of answering your question. Because the truth is, we should all have a part of our identity rooted in the scientific method. The curiosity and creativity, the perseverance, the skepticism, the methodical approach, the critical thinking and problem solving, the project management... We need more STEM research experiences, earlier, and often! So when I read this report, I found it to be so valuable, so validating, as someone who has dedicated their career to STEM research education. And this part stood out to me: "Of all the arguments supporting increased investment in STEM education R&D to solve our current STEM crisis – tepid federal spending, ominously powerful inventions, and the dearth of talent for advancing and managing those inventions – a fourth argument eclipses each of them: STEM education improves the lives of individuals irrespective of their occupation. And in so doing, STEM education improves communities and the country at large. Learners fortunate to enjoy quality STEM education develop creativity through imaginative design, interpretation, and representation of investigations. The tools they use strengthen technology literacy. The mode of discovery is highly social, honing communication and cooperation skills. With no sage-on-the-stage they develop independence of thought. Failure happens, forging perseverance and resilience in its wake. Asking and answering questions nurtures curiosity. Defending and refuting ideas cultivates critical thinking, Truth and facts are evidence-based yet always tentative. Empathy is cultivated through alternative interpretations or points of view. And confidence to pursue STEM as a career comes from doing STEM. The prospect of an entire population of Americans thus equipped is the most compelling case for strategically increased R&D investment in STEM education." Every student should have STEM experiences that make them feel like a science kid, even if its not their career choice. Stay tuned! We at STEMbridge Consulting are developing new core offerings and are undergoing a website revamp. Can't WAIT to share what we've been working on as we try to ensure all students are having valuable STEM research experiences, early and often.

🎙️Why is an all-girls education still vital today?🎙️ In a recent episode of the Education Corner Podcast by Education Choices Magazine, our CEO, Donna Stevens, shared her insights on the unique benefits of girls’ schools and the role they play in empowering young women to thrive in male-dominated careers, building confidence, and achieving academic excellence. Donna highlights compelling research showing that girls in single-sex schools are: ⚡️ Nearly three times more likely to study Maths A-level ⚡️ Twice as likely to take Physics A-level ⚡️ More engaged in sport through the critical teenage years She discusses how girls' schools create a fairer society by inspiring the next generation of leaders, scientists, and innovators. “Society isn’t equal yet, but our schools help level the playing field, empowering girls to enter spaces where they’re underrepresented.” Tune in to the full episode now to hear more about the incredible work being done to champion girls’ education and how The Girls' Schools Association is shaping the next 150 years of progress. https://lnkd.in/eNA_5Xrx Rachel Donati Alex Hutchinson

Interested in engaging with the five equity frames for STEM education from the NASEM report, Equity in preK-12 STEM education: Framing decisions for the future? Yesterday, Mike Heinz invited me to work with a group of New Jersey leaders to explore those frames together. Here's the slide deck, in case it's useful for science leaders to explore frames with educators: https://lnkd.in/d4f7bmZk

Join me on May 23 for a provocative conversation about the future of #STEM education with Laura Elliott, Council of Ontario Directors of Education, jd williams, & David Lapides. We'll explore #inclusion, #technology, & operational realities of #education. Register at: https://lnkd.in/gF_e-tJs . Check out the article below. Let's Talk Science | Parlons sciences

The importance of STEM education is undeniable, but are we doing enough? Our latest article dives deep into the current state of STEM education in Canada, its challenges, and the changes we need to make. Read ➡️] https://lnkd.in/gZbQ2EAU Ready to ignite a brighter future for STEM learning? Register for our upcoming webinar - The Future of STEM Education in Canada -  and explore actionable solutions! ➡️] https://lnkd.in/gxzcguAt #STEMeducation #LTS #FutureofEducation #LetsTalkScience #Webinar

Kids’ interest in STEM subjects starts to decline by age 15. To help understand why, UScellular teamed up with YWCA and Dr. Richard Rende to explore what’s needed in STEM programs to reverse the decline. YWCA added those vital areas to its own TechGYRLS program guide to be rolled out this fall. Click here to learn more about UScellular's efforts to close the STEM education gap! #usccemp https://bit.ly/4ersPiI

Maximize the impact of guest speakers coming to your programs by implementing tried and tested best practices. Center student interests and use ready-to-implement tools with STEM PUSH. https://ow.ly/9GHO50Slii8

Kids’ interest in STEM subjects starts to decline by age 15. To help understand why, UScellular teamed up with YWCA and Dr. Richard Rende to explore what’s needed in STEM programs to reverse the decline. YWCA added those vital areas to its own TechGYRLS program guide to be rolled out this fall. Click here to learn more about UScellular's efforts to close the STEM education gap! #USCCemp #usccemp https://bit.ly/4dhGyaH

Kids’ interest in STEM subjects starts to decline by age 15. To help understand why, UScellular teamed up with YWCA and Dr. Richard Rende to explore what’s needed in STEM programs to reverse the decline. YWCA added those vital areas to its own TechGYRLS program guide to be rolled out this fall. Click here to learn more about UScellular's efforts to close the STEM education gap! #usccemp https://bit.ly/3CeTocW