What is Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)?
STEM focuses on student's engagement and skills from the earliest grades in science, math and technology to help foster interest for their later school years and careers. The ultimate goal is to grow the proficiency level of students in sciences and mathematics.
The STEM Issue:
As the 21st century global marketplace changes, students must excel in science, math, technology and engineering to become a contributor to the marketplace. In fact, high tech companies have jobs that they can not fill today due to a lack of qualified candidates. As the demand for scientists and mathematicians is projected to grow dramatically with the importance of alternative energy and global warming, the number of students going into these fields is not growing at a comparable rate. Over 50% of 8th graders receive instruction from a science and math teacher who does not hold a degree in that field. The teacher is in a position where they need to focus on the lesson and have difficulty infusing real world examples that would help the student's frame of reference.
Defined STEM is a web-based application designed to promote effective and relevant connections between STEM classroom content and STEM career pathways, thus providing learning opportunities for students. Defined STEM provides teachers a resource where they can access highly effective media content and related support materials. These resources and materials allow teachers to connect STEM career awareness to existing lessons and standards-based curriculum.
For more information on Defined STEM please visit http://www.definedstem.com or call 847-850-0188.
Click here to view a complete list of learning connections.
Defined STEM connection demos