This morning I was delighted to be part of a round-table discussion with Congressman Bold Dold at Northwestern University with other leaders of education, industry and government. The subject at hand was how to meet the challenge of increasing the number of qualified people to work in STEM careers through STEM education, innovation and immigration reform. I was invited to share about the importance of inspiring children from preschool through high school to engage with STEM.
An interesting recent study found 25-30% of people worldwide reported pursuing a career related to a childhood dream. Only 14% of males and 2% of females reported a childhood interest in science and engineering fields. We clearly need to find ways to inspire youth to engage in STEM.
Children are curious by nature and STEM is part of the world around them. Fun, hands-on interactions in STEM from an early age create a natural connection with these areas so that all children believe these are skills that are accessible to them.
Too often our current focus in education is based on rote learning rather than thinking skills. We need school and out-of-school programs that allow children to explore and encourage authentic learning so they can learn how to think, rather than what to think. Through problem based learning, children explore challenges together that help them build skills like collaboration, perseverance, and creative and critical thinking.
Prepared with problem solving and collaborative skills and a genuine interest in STEM activities, we’re setting our children on a path to be the STEM leaders of tomorrow. So even if you’re not yet thinking about your child’s career path in 10-15 years, take time now to explore with your child – build, design, create and think together and inspire your child to engage in STEM!
Try this at home!
Gather materials like paper plates, straws, plastic forks, pipe cleaners, and rubber bands (whatever you have around the house will work well). Have your children (and some friends!) work together to build a device that they can use to knock down a pyramid of paper cups from 6 feet away.
