Milton BertrandYou are exactly right Terrie. When it comes to STEM disciplines, they are everywhere; however, many do not make the connections. One instance is the chemistry we do in the kitchen like cooking and mixing and so on. That is an excellent example to get... moreYou are exactly right Terrie. When it comes to STEM disciplines, they are everywhere; however, many do not make the connections. One instance is the chemistry we do in the kitchen like cooking and mixing and so on. That is an excellent example to get kids to like or understand the field of chemistry.
TerrieAn Einstein Fellow colleague, Sarah Young, wrote a book on just that topic. It's called Gourmet Lab (published by NSTA). I used to teach a microwave unit on how foods cook, etc. in my technology course. Freaked students out when they did the... moreAn Einstein Fellow colleague, Sarah Young, wrote a book on just that topic. It's called Gourmet Lab (published by NSTA). I used to teach a microwave unit on how foods cook, etc. in my technology course. Freaked students out when they did the experiment of putting aluminum foil over a small baking bowl (tightly) and microwaving it. They did learn about how materials reflect energy through that activity, though. Fun stuff.
Milton BertrandHi Terrie, The biggest problem with STEM fields is that many feel disconnected because they do not see or understand how these fields are relevant. I have conversations with students majoring in English; some do not see the relevance of STEM in their... moreHi Terrie, The biggest problem with STEM fields is that many feel disconnected because they do not see or understand how these fields are relevant. I have conversations with students majoring in English; some do not see the relevance of STEM in their major. When I elaborate on many technologies that are being used in the classrooms like the overhead projector, the lights, the computers, and their portable devices like smart phones, they realize after all no once can decouple from STEM. The point as it should be is to show real applications of these disciplines. less