STEM+Education

=Introduction = toc The tech industry is booming at a shocking rate and everyone, regardless of education level, is beginning to understand the amount of stable employment that exists within the tech industry. Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. [2] Research suggests that the only way to prepare ourselves for economic uncertainty is through the acquisition of high-demand marketable skills. This is exactly what [|STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math)] subjects aim to achieve. Tech skill sets are necessary in every world market in order to prepare for optimal future career choices. In today’s world, [|technology] means computers and [|smartphones], but it goes back to[| television], [|radio], [|microscopes], [|telegraph], [|telescopes], the [|compass], and even the [|first wheel]. STEM subjects are essential because they pervade every aspect of our lives. [1] There are a lot of nontraditional ways of applying skills in STEM fields that we don't often discuss. =1.1 Creative Coding Practices = The Technology side of the STEM curriculum encourages the use of computer science and creative expression through coding. Through coding platforms such as [|Processing] and [|P5.JS], young creatives can find a way to create breathtaking art expositions and addicting video games. This practice allows for the expression of creativity while still obtaining valuable high-demand tech skills. According to [|Casey Reas], one of the creators of the Processing creative JavaScript language, Processing was created with the goal, “To make a language for teaching design and art students how to program and to give more technical students an easier way to work with graphics. The combination is a positive departure from the way programming is usually taught.” [3] This is one example of how combining art with traditional STEM applications such as computer science can provide a powerful combo that links diverse interests. =1.2 Encouraging Classroom Engagement through Technology = Improper teaching methods have been shown to discourage interest in STEM subjects. Many students lose interest in STEM subjects because of dull teaching practices rather than the material itself. Experts have begun to test new technologies that enable learning the same complex logic and critical thinking topics in the form of engaging video games or virtual reality platforms. Through the newly released computer game, [|SimCityEDU: Pollution Challenge], students can learn about pressing environmental science issues while also learning about basic economic practices. Students are forced to address environmental issues in their virtual cities while maintaining employment levels and virtual citizen well-being. [4] For the younger students, [|Filament Games] teaches [|plant biology basics] through their new game, [|Reach for the Sun]. This game asks players to balance the right amount of starch, water and nutrients to enable their plant to grow and reproduce properly. [4] =1.3 Competing in the World Economy = According to experts, “Even with unemployment at historically high levels, large numbers of jobs are going unfilled. Many of these jobs have one thing in common–the need for an educational background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.” [5] However, STEM doesn’t mean that more schooling is necessary. It instead means that the correct practical curriculum is necessary for higher earnings. 47% of Bachelor's degrees in [|STEM occupations] earn more than PhDs in non-STEM occupations. [5] STEM knowledge is in such high demand that there have been proposals for the [|STAPLE Act], which is legislation that would grant PhD-earning immigrants in STEM fields the right to permanent residency in the United States, regardless of immigration quotas. This initiative is being proposed in hopes that we can stay competitive in the global economy by preventing highly qualified professionals from taking their skills elsewhere. [6] =1.4 Bringing Ideas to Fruition Through Lasercutting and 3D-Printing = Recent technological innovations provide methods for aspiring creatives to bring their ideas to life with low production costs. [|3D Printing] and [|Lasercutting] technologies are accessible in most universities as well as in many outside businesses. “With 3D printing, you can personalize anything by tweaking a part of the prototype, so it can cater your needs. For instance, customizing 3D prints are used in medical and dental industries.” [7] According to [|TechCrunch], “Educational institutes are already using 3D printing at the middle-school level, allowing students to move away from the old-fashioned poster and cardboard projects toward more inspiring and practical 3D modeling experimentation.” [8] The younger generation of artists, designers and scientists are being guided in the right direction through discovering these technologies at a young age. Through the instruction of basic [|CAD] (Computer Assisted Drafting) programs, children learn to combine imagination with practical technical skills. Creative ideas are brought to life in the form of a usable 3-Dimensional object. 3D printing has gone beyond engineers creating prototypes to now include the artists who craft innovative designs through CAD and 3D printing practices. [|TechCrunch] points out that students today are, “Being taught to think in 3D in much the same way that many of us were taught how to use [|Microsoft Word] from an early age.” [8] STEM subject proficiency can make students of any background an asset to employers. =1.5 The Importance of Logical Thinking Skills = Experts assert that, “While some ability to solve problems comes from knowledge of facts and persistence, other problem solving requires curiosity and creativity.” [9] Curiosity and creativity aren’t always encouraged in our educational system which emphasizes the importance of [|standardized testing]. Countries that rank the highest in problem solving skills also consistently demonstrate high levels of competencies in creative approaches to education. STEM subjects promise to foster creativity while still accomplishing practical educational goals. STEM’s curriculum provides a way to teach innovation and entrepreneurial skills along with more traditional mathematical and science practices. =1.6 There’s Still a Place for Traditional Art and Literature = Advocating for the adoption of more widespread STEM curriculums doesn't mean that the classic subjects will be pushed out. Instead, STEM curriculums emphasize the use of technology for the purpose of cohesive learning practices. Technological thinking can give students ways of rethinking their passions and how to express their ideas in the physical world. Through technology, a writer can become a blogger, a painter can become a Photoshop wiz and an inventor can learn to execute ideas in code. Casey Reas' code invention, Processing, allows for the creation of artistic pictures through the use of a [|JavaScript library]. This specific library allows for “drawing” shapes through the coding of specific dimensions and x and y-coordinates on the virtual "canvas". Invention and innovation are at the heart of every STEM curriculum. STEM education is about diversifying our skill sets and finding new ways to exercise our passions in a way that makes us competitive in the global economy. STEM also emphasizes the importance of giving kids a reason to care about their education and the future possibilities that education can provide. =Conclusion = In summary, there are countless experts who spend their energy advocating for a more creative approach to education. We’ve moved towards a wider definition of what STEM education truly is. STEM emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving but also encourages the use of engineering practices to nurture creativity and curiosity. In an increasingly competitive global economy, more practical skills are necessary if we are going to prepare the next generation of Americans to fill the jobs of the future. Through new technologies, we can learn to think in 3-Dimensional models and use technology to bring complex ideas to life. Social sciences and literature will always have a place in education but STEM is about tying multiple fields together in order to provide preparation for the jobs that technology will create. Many educators have the goal of broadening students' skillsets so that American citizens are prepared to take on the competitive job market of the future. STEM education shares this core goal. =<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Resources = <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">1: "Science Pioneers." Why STEM Education Is Important For Everyone | Science Pioneers. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. <http://www.sciencepioneers.org/parents/why-stem-is-important-to-everyone>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">2: “2016 Median Pay.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. < http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">3: Reas, Casey. "Getting Started with Processing." N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. []. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">4: Krigman, Eliza. The Latest Tools for Teaching STEM: Video Games. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. <https://www.usnews.com/news/stem-solutions/articles/2013/11/11/the-latest-tool-for-teaching-stem-video-games+>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">5: Engler, John. STEM Education Is the Key to the U.S.'s Economic Future. U.S. News, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. <https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2012/06/15/stem-education-is-the-key-to-the-uss-economic-future+>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">6: "Should Foreign STEM Graduates Get Green Cards?" U.S. News, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. <https://www.usnews.com/debate-club/should-foreign-stem-graduates-get-green-cards>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">7: "10 Insane Benefits of 3D Printing You Never Imagined." All That 3D. N.p., 28 Dec. 2016. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. <https://www.allthat3d.com/3d-printing-benefits/>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">8: Dogru, John. "The Influence Of Education On The 3D Printing Industry." TechCrunch. TechCrunch, 14 Nov. 2015. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. <https://techcrunch.com/2015/11/14/the-influence-of-education-on-the-3d-printing-industry/>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">9: Bertram, Vince. "We Have to Get Serious About Creativity and Problem Solving." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 07 May 2014. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vince-bertram/we-have-to-get-serious-ab_b_5272884.html>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">10: Solutions, Stephen F. DeAngelis Enterra. "Why STEM? Success Starts With Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving Skills." Wired. Conde Nast, 06 Aug. 2015. Web. 24 Apr. 2017. <https://www.wired.com/insights/2014/06/stem-success-starts-critical-thinking-problem-solving-skills/>.