A Toolkit for Families and Teachers Looking to Implement STEM
Natalie Bleicher and Hanna Zernich
"There's nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all humankind."
Bill Nye
THE IMPORTANCE OF STEM EDUCATION
As STEM integrates itself into the lives of nearly every person, it is becoming increasingly important to expose young children to the field of STEM. STEM can be addressed in nearly every academic area of the traditional school day, thus lessons with STEM influences are essential. The attached links speak on the what, how, and why of how STEM education is increasingly popular in the elementary school setting.
STEM LITERATURE
Below is a selection of picture books that can serve as relevant sources for young children and families to learn more about STEM. Examples include introducing science to children, a young girl who excels at math, and alternative sources of energy. A link to Amazon for each book has been provided for easy access!
"Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated."
Rosalind Franklin
ARTICLES
THE STEM READ PODCAST
A website that provides podcasts that connect STEM and storytelling that will get kids excited about learning.
HOW TO MAKE VIRTUAL STEM LESSONS MORE ENGAGING FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
This article provides information on how to make STEM lessons and activities possible even when school and classes are virtual.
SUCCESS STARTS WITH STEM
This website includes many different STEM programs that students can get involved with and how one can bring these STEM programs to their schools.
The Future of STEM Education By. Roni Ellington
Roni Ellington gives a TEDTalk explaining the importance of STEM classes. Ellington shares her story about growing up in an underprivileged community and having the odds against her yet she was still able to succeed in STEM classes (math especially). Ellington explains that it does not matter who you are and what your background is everyone has the ability to succeed in STEM.
STEM EDUCATION
As time progresses, STEM education will continue to be prevalent and will become infused even more into the education of all students. Below are two links -Â one discusses how STEM within education will continue, the other link provides the details and resources for teachers looking to include STEM in their lesson planning.
REFERENCES
​
Activities for kids. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/
​
Claire, B. (2020, August 19). What is STEM education and Why is it important for kids? Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://kidpillar.com/what-is-stem-education-and-why-is-it-important-for-kids/
​
​[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.houstonisd.org/Page/174866
​
Dispatch. (2018, May 14). Is stem education beneficial in the elementary classroom? Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://wp.nyu.edu/dispatch/2018/01/30/is-stem-education-beneficial-in-the-elementary-classroom/#:~:text=STEM%20is%20an%20education%20curriculum,to%20the%20schools%20and%20institutions.
​
Collins, M. (2020, October 22). How to make virtual STEM lessons more engaging for young learners. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-make-virtual-stem-lessons-more-engaging-young-learners
​
Flavin, B. (2019, August 26). 11 engaging STEM activities for kids that will foster curiosity. Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/simple-stem-activities-for-kids/
​
Fun and Lean Education. (2015, September 2). What is STEM. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0oNyfwL-Ig
​
Hom, E. (2014). What is STEM education? Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/43296-what-is-stem-education.html
​
Singer, E. (2020, July 15). The 12 Best STEM activities for KIDS (using things you already have at home). Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.purewow.com/family/stem-activities-for-kids
​
Success starts with STEM. (2021). Sylvan. https://www.sylvanlearning.com/stem
​
Why stem education is important. (2017, August 04). Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://sunshinestem.com/why-stem-education-is-important
​
​
Tedx Talks. (2013, February 21). The future of STEM education: Roni Ellington - TEDxBaltimore. [Video] YouTube. The future of STEM education | Roni Ellington | TEDxBaltimore
​
The STEM read podcast. (2021). NPR. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/557685529/the-s-t-e-m-read-podcast
​