Abstract:

Becoming a technological thinker and leader is essential for full participation in our high-tech, global world. Children learn through experiences, and the earlier we create STEM-based experiences, the better. Yes, engineering builds upon knowledge of science and math - but its impact reaches far beyond for youth, capitalizing upon their visualization and creativity skills, and integrating their knowledge and skills with their values and view of the world.
• Increasing student and teacher excitement for learning STEM
• Improving student & teacher skills so learning is more enjoyable in all subjects
• Increasing the general public's technological literacy
• Increasing the awareness of the importance of STEM for society.
In classrooms around the country, elementary school students and their teachers are learning science, math and engineering principles through STEM-based experiences.
What Teachers Have to Say
"One child who probably would not have been successful with the science fair was able to complete a decent project. He completely replicated one of the STOMP lessons accurately and submitted it as his project. He gained understanding of the 'scientific method' and earned a good grade!"
-West Somerville Neighborhood School Teacher

Keywords:

big ideas, environment, technology, gizmos, nature, building big, think.