Bill Nye Weighs in on Fixing STEM Education

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Recently, everyone’s favorite science guy, Bill Nye wrote a commentary piece for CNBC.com outlining the challenges the U.S. economy faces with the lack of students seriously considering a career in STEM related fields. Nye noted that STEM jobs in the U.S. will increase by 14 percent from 2013-2020, with data showing that 3 million of these jobs will go unfilled by 2018. [1] The lack of qualified students pursuing a STEM career hurts our education system and the national economy.

So what’s the answer to fixing these challenges? Nye suggests that it’s important for Americans to recognize there is a problem in the first place. Everyone in education is aware of the push in STEM education across the country. We know that those reading our blog on a regular basis are well familiar with the challenges and possible solutions for integrating STEM education into existing curricula. But, the majority of Americans don’t see the value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Bill Nye Focuses on Interactive STEM

Bill Nye states that one way to establish the value of STEM is promoting STEM education at a young age. Students that are introduced to STEM in high school, rarely continue with it in college. Nye notes that high school is too late to develop a long-term interest in STEM. Educators should support science programs with an invested interest in fostering STEM skills. Put simply: the earlier, the better.

But, how do you get students excited about science? A common critique of this suggestion is that younger children have a difficult time maintaining enthusiasm for STEM subjects. Bill Nye believes that is silly and we have to agree. “Science is the best idea humans have ever had,” he stated. [1]  It is not the subject of science, technology, engineering or math that makes students shy away from learning, but rather the method of how they are learning it. The Next Generation Science Standards recommends making exploration and experimentation an essential component to STEM curricula; not just learning from a book or lecture.

Play is STEM Education in Action

The most effective way of teaching any subject is finding a way to engage the student in an activity that feels familiar and encourages them to interact with the material. What better way to do that than to implement STEM curricula that encourages play as a form of learning? Choosing to teach these subjects in a way that does not intimidate or discourage will provide students with a sense of purpose for STEM skills. Check out some of these elementary geared, interactive STEM solutions in action.

fischertechnik education
Bill Nye Blog fischertechnik Intro to STEM
fischertechnik Introduction to STEM I
Introduce elementary students to the exciting world of STEM using examples from everyday technology. Students can have fun, while completing hands-on activities created specially for grades 2-4.

Sphero
Sphero – Get your students interested in robotics and electronic programming with Sphero, the app-controlled wireless robotic ball. Spark interest in programming, robotics and math.

Bare Conductive
Bill Nye Blog bare conductive
Bare Conductive: Flashing Card Activity Pack Robot Parade – Have fun learning with this engaging group activity, teaching participants of all ages how electricity flows through circuits and introducing simple circuit design.

STEM Education: Invest in the Future

We’ve only highlighted some of the incredible intro to STEM solutions we have at Studica. As it becomes increasingly important for young students to engage in STEM concepts, more and more options are available. Not every classroom is the same, but we strive to gather programs that fit your students’ needs. As Bill Nye said, “Let’s tackle this problem – together.” [1]  Now is the time to get academic discounts on the technology your school needs. See Bill Nye’s full commentary on CNBC.com.

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