STEM for a Small World
..also Introduction to Engineering
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) for a Small World
- links and commentary to web resources addressing topics that everyone needs to know to be a full participant in the world today and tomorrow.
Says who? Well, a number of concerned citizens who are dismayed by the decline in basic math and science knowledge, particularly in the United States. NASA, for example has a problem insofar as something like 25% of their scientists and engineers are due to retire in the next few years. Finding graduates eligible to fill these vacancies and qualify for the top security clearance necessary to work on defense contracts is problematic already.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - in each discipline
- Basics ideas - understand popular press articles and commentary
- StemLit0 (newspaper reader)
- General knowledge - follow discussions about new findings in the field
- StemLit1 (science magazines, educational TV)
- Advanced - understand details of literature in the field of study
- StemLit2 (beyond mainstream media)
Contents
News, information and updates
- Science Geek Girl - regular updates from a professional science writer - always good reading
- New Scientist - interesting science factoids and commentary
Science
general, environmental, earth science
Biology and Health
evolution, DNA,stem cells, health - nutrition, cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, malnourishment
Chemistry
elements, reactions
Physics
mechanics, electricity, magnetism
- illustrates different optical illusions and explains them
- keep a submarine balanced while lowering it to the bottom of the sea
- simulations of different subjects. Using simulations is a better way to learn new things because it can deepen people's impression of the subject. It also makes learning become more interesting.
Technology
computer science
Engineering
applied science, innovation
- learning innovation - me, we, process, outcome
Math
arithmetic - decimals, fractions, percent; algebra, trigonometry, calculus
- Math animations - Many concepts in mathematics are dynamic, that means books can not explain and display everything you need to understand a certain concept. This animation teaching tool makes things different . It shows every concepts very clear and make it fun. Multimedia demonstration makes it easier for understanding. --XZ
- Khan Academy - math videos
Developmental education
basic skills, functional literacy
Resources
- YouTube
- simulations - MERLOT
- lesson plans
- homework, exercises
Learn more...
Some suggestions for improving science and math education so they are more engaging
- providing realistic levels of complexity in the learning environment can actually make learning easier: ‘tasks that are thought to be difficult when attempted in a decontextualized environment become intuitive when situated in a larger framework’. Rather than simplifying the environment, the goal of educators should be to aid the learner to function in rich learning environments. ... from http://www.unb.ca/naweb/proceedings/2003/PaperPhelps.html
- The non-linear approach, which moves away from pushing all students through the same content, produceds a learning environment which was relevant and challenging for all students. Students are more likely to be touched by a sense of ‘fun’ and ‘excitement’ in their learning. ... from http://www.unb.ca/naweb/proceedings/2003/PaperPhelps.html