STEM EDUCATION: OPENING THE DOOR TO THE FUTURE. Presenter: Dr. Angela Andersson April 25, 2012

Transcription

1 STEM EDUCATION: OPENING THE DOOR TO THE FUTURE Presenter: Dr. Angela Andersson April 25, 2012

2 KENOSHA SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED CURRICULUM - KTEC Preschool 8 th grade charter school Instrumentality of Kenosha Unified School District Students are selected in a random lottery at the conclusion of our enrollment period in January. We currently are a building capacity with 461 students. Our curriculum model focuses on preparing students for further education and a career in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We also instruct and assess student achievement on 21 st Century skills.

3 OVERVIEW What is STEM Education? Why is STEM Education important? What does a STEM program look like in K 12 education?

4 WHAT IS STEM? STEM is more than an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math STEM education removes the traditional barriers erected between the four disciplines by integrating the subjects into one cohesive means of teaching and learning

5 WHAT IS STEM? The synergy of the STEM disciplines result in a coalescence of skills in critical thinking, problem solving, innovation and creativity In other words STEM > S + T + E + M

6 WHY DO WE NEED STEM EDUCATION? Reaffirming and strengthening America s role as the world s engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation is essential to meeting the challenges of this century. I am committed to making the improvement of STEM education over the next decade a national priority. President Barack Obama November 23, 2009

7 WHY DO WE NEED STEM EDUCATION? Increasing opportunities for STEM learning can improve the chances of post-secondary success for all students Equipping students with STEM skills will prepare them for the high-demand jobs of the future Strengthening the quality of teaching in STEM subjects will improve student learning in other subjects, as well

8 WHY DO WE NEED STEM EDUCATION? Sixty (60) percent of all new jobs in the 21 st Century will require skills possessed by only twenty (20) percent of the current U.S. workforce.

9 WHY DO WE NEED STEM EDUCATION? A Perfect Storm of Need Global Achievement gap Aging workforce Brain drain Declining interest in STEM among youth Shift towards global marketplace Shift towards knowledge economy Slowing population growth rate Copyright 2011 by STEM Forward Reproduction in whole or in part without the written consent of STEM Forward is prohibited. 9

10 GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENT GAP Performance of U.S. 15-Year-Old Students in Reading, Mathematics and Science Literacy in an International Context (PISA 2009) Reading Math Science Countries with average scores higher than the U.S. Countries with average scores not measurably different than the U.S. Countries with average scores lower than the U.S. Copyright 2011 by STEM Forward Reproduction in whole or in part without the written consent of STEM Forward is prohibited. 10

11 ACHIEVEMENT GAP Out of 31 developed countries, U.S. students finish well below average; 15 th in reading 19 th in math 14 th in science

12 ACHIEVEMENT GAP Forty percent (40) of all students test at below basic math level Fifty percent (50) of all students test at below basic science level Eighteen percent (18) of 12 th grade students are proficient in science

13 ACHIEVEMENT GAP For every 100 low-income or minority students who enter post-secondary institutions, only 7 emerge with STEM credentials

14 DECLINING INTEREST IN STEM AMONG YOUTH Students are not choosing STEM fields as areas of pursuit - 6 percent select engineering 74 percent of 7 th graders in a recent study reported preferring taking out the garbage or going to the dentist over math homework

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16 BRAIN DRAIN The number of engineering degrees awarded in the U.S. is down 20 percent from the peak year 1985 More than 50 percent of all engineering doctoral degrees awarded by U.S. engineering colleges are to individuals ineligible for the security clearances required

17 WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO AS AMERICAN EDUCATORS? Quantity Increase the number of students enrolling in STEM curricula Increase the number of students engaging in STEM activities Increase the number of students graduating with STEM certificates or degrees Increase the number of students who enter and remain in the STEM workforce

18 WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO AS AMERICAN EDUCATORS? Quality Improve core academic competencies: Math, science, and reading Build 21 st Century skills: Adaptability Leadership Problem solving Social skills Teamwork Flexibility Collaboration Communication Creativity Critical thinking

19 WHAT DOES STEM LOOK LIKE?

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31 PROJECT LEAD THE WAY Vision Statement: PLTW s vision is to ignite the spark of American ingenuity, creativity and imagination within all our students. Mission Statement: PLTW s mission is to ensure that America succeeds in the increasingly high-tech and high-skill global economy, by partnering with middle schools and high schools to prepare students to become the most innovative and productive in the world.

32 PLTW GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Design and Modeling introduces students to the design process. Using design briefs, students create models and documentation to solve problems. Automation and Robotics explores the history and development of automation and robotics. While teaching students about structures, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Energy and the Environment investigates the importance of energy in our lives and the impact using energy has on the environment The Magic of Electrons gives students the opportunity to explore the science of electricity, the movement of atoms, circuit design and sensing devices. The Science of Technology teaches students about the mechanics of motion, the conversion of energy and energy transfer. Flight and Space developed with NASA, introduces students to the technology of aeronautics, propulsion and rocketry.

33 QUESTIONS? KTEC students love to tell people about what they are learning. If you would like a tour, call the office at the number below and they will be happy to share. Contact Information Dr. Angela Andersson th Ave. Kenosha, WI aanderss@kusd.eu