|
'New' STEM basics prepare
students for a high tech workplace
Today's preteens are a technologically savvy bunch. They
are the first generation to grow up with personal cell
phones and MP3 players. They use the Internet routinely
to learn new things, create personal Web pages, and
connect with friends both near and around the globe.
And although this knowledge will surely benefit children
as they move toward an ever-changing world and
increasingly technological adult workplaces, it is not
enough.
To help preteens be truly successful, middle school must
offer students plenty of practice with the new basics.
These include the STEM subjects of science,
educationally relevant technology, engineering and
mathematics, which educators and business leaders agree
American students need most to successfully navigate
today's world and compete for desirable jobs of the
future.
Additionally, English language arts (reading, writing,
editing) and foreign language studies will play an
important role in helping students communicate well in a
global marketplace. Social studies expand students'
understanding of our vast world, its people and
political structures. And finally, the visual,
performing and musical arts help them express
themselves, understand cultures and appreciate beauty
from around the world.
TODAY'S 'BASICS' GO HIGH TECH
Consider these examples of how the "tried and true" are
being married with the "here and now" to create
meaningful and hands-on middle school learning in the
important STEM subjects:
-
Sci-fi fans and
weight-training teens alike can relate to a lesson
on robotics. Using low-tech supplies such as
popsicle sticks and rubber bands, students can
create models of robotic arms, much like those used
in industry to remove hazardous waste or lift heavy
objects. Students learn about anatomy and
physiology, for example, as they develop an
understanding of the human body and how it works.
Geometry is used to determine angles. The physical
building of the robotic arm provides practice with
basic, hands-on engineering. Kids also practice
related skills in creative thinking, sequencing
(following steps), and problem solving.
-
Using photo-editing
software, students learn first-hand that what they
see on-line and in magazines isn't always what it
seems-an important consumer lesson in itself. In
addition, while students create and edit electronic
images, they are honing their computer skills while
weaving in math practice using fractions, percentage
and scale, and delving into the science of color
theory.
Technology in the jobs
of today...and tomorrow
The National Science Foundation estimates that in 2010,
the year that many of today's middle schoolers will
begin graduating from high school, as many as one-fourth
of all jobs will be based on math, science and
technology. Additionally, the number of new U.S. jobs
requiring math and science-from retail sales to
high-tech computer software design and
programming-continues to grow. By 2012, science and
engineering jobs are projected to grow by 26 percent, a
dramatic increase considering that jobs in other fields
are projected to grow by only 15 percent.
Science, math and technology are woven into many of
today's jobs, in both obvious and surprising ways. For
example:
-
Auto mechanics
routinely rely on computer skills to use hand-held
diagnostic devices to pinpoint problems and when
referring to service manuals stored in electronic
databases. Algebra, trigonometry (with an emphasis
on angles) and business math are also used in the
course of their day-to-day tasks. According to the
U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook
Handbook, there will be a 9-17 percent increase in
auto mechanic/technician jobs by 2012.
-
Registered nurses draw
heavily on science, including anatomy, physiology,
microbiology, chemistry, nutrition and psychology.
Math -- such as weight and measurement, fractions
and percentage - is essential for dispensing
medication. Growth in the nursing field is faster
than average, with 27.3 percent more jobs projected
by 2012.
-
Multimedia artists and
animators combine visual art creativity with
computer skills to create programs and applications
for the Internet, Web sites and video games. They
also create programs for information kiosks, such as
those in museums and shopping malls. These
multimedia products combine graphics, sound, text,
animation, still images and digital video into one
package. By 2012, jobs in this field will have
increased by about 15 percent.
The 2003 Trends in
International Math and Science Study has shown that
American students lag behind students in other
countries, particularly China and Japan, in their
understanding of science and math. Without adequate
skills and early training in these areas, today's
students may be less qualified than their peers overseas
for desirable jobs. Already, many major U.S.
manufacturers have moved significant
production-particularly in areas of high-tech-overseas,
citing a lack of skilled U.S. workers.
For permission to reprint this article, please contact
the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service.
<back |
Instructional
Services