Marci Houseman’s Post

"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.

🗣️ Calling all teachers teaching #STEM topics (even if it is not your specialism): can you help with a survey on effective #CPD? Click here 👉

Please take a few mins to complete our survey about CPD! Your voice matters!

Discover the importance of Service Learning in STEM education with a curated collection of articles, links, and resources all in one place. This compilation emphasizes the significance of real-world context and provides valuable resources to enhance Service Learning in STEM. Click on the link to explore the collection here: https://smpl.is/8qalx

Are you an educator interested in utilising the STEM Ambassador programme? Check out our free online sessions for teachers, where you can learn what STEM Ambassadors do, how to navigate the platform, and how your learners can benefit from collaborating with STEM Ambassadors! Browse sessions here ➡️ https://ow.ly/cktI50QAbF4

A quality STEM education has the potential to impact a student's life; here's your chance to bring your vision for a great STEM program to life. Learn how on April 10: https://hubs.ly/Q02q7d3g0

join CREATE at UC San Diego for our next biannual STEM in San Diego sessions - the focus for this one is: Binational Efforts. The purpose of this convening will be to collectively explore the current state of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) in the region, identify STEM resources/partners and discuss STEM needs in the greater San Diego area. We hope that by bringing important stakeholders together we can host a cohesive conversation about the importance of approaching STEM in San Diego through a multifaceted lens. STEM is much more than education, it is the fastest growing workforce sector, a booming industry in San Diego and provides ample opportunity for upward mobility - especially among for those from underrepresented backgrounds. As a military town with a robust network of STEM partners and educational institutions - we invite you to come learn about the STEM workforce, local and federal resources and to connect with other regional partners committed to enhancing equitable educational opportunities for all San Diegans. Open to all (STEM and non-STEM). Register at bit.ly/STEMinSD or use the QR code!

In the ever-evolving world of STEM, a movement is growing to break down stereotypes and encourage more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Despite exhibiting similar early performance in math and science, girls or individuals identifying with girlhood or as female often lose interest in these subjects by middle school due to societal norms, according to the National Girls Collaborative Project. At Camps for Curious Minds, our girl-focused summer camps aim to empower girls to confidently explore and enjoy STEM fields, challenging stereotypes and fostering enthusiasm. Learn more in this blog post: https://bit.ly/49PtZBI

The No Fear STEM conference is essential for fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving innovation in K-12 education. By uniting diverse stakeholders, our conference will create a fertile ground for the development of effective teaching strategies that engage and inspire students. As we continue to emphasize the importance of STEM education in preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the future, supporting and participating in the No Fear STEM Conference will become an imperative for anyone invested in the success of our students. Together, we can build a stronger, more innovative educational landscape that empowers all learners to excel in STEM fields.

Low-income students are often underrepresented in STEM fields, the very same degrees that often lead to high-paying careers. What is being done to close that gap and provide more opportunities for economic mobility? University of Colorado Boulder‘s answer is to expand their CU Promise program to offer a new initiative for low-income engineering students to earn their degrees for free, the first field-specific program at the school. The Lattice Scholars program is funded by a donation from local engineering firm Campos EPC and identifies qualifying students with an annual family income under $65k based on their FAFSA score, rather than requiring a separate application. Currently, 65 students participate in the program, which also includes academic support and advising to remove not only financial barriers but also help students navigate college.  This year, the school has doubled the number of students who qualify for the CU Program, which now totals nearly 3,500 students. Full article here from Chalkbeat (Chalkbeat Colorado): https://lnkd.in/efsvfqSq DSST Public Schools, Rocky Mountain Prep, STEM School Highlands Ranch, New America School, Kipp Denver Collegiate High School