STEM Education

STEM is the acronym used to refer to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. A student's proficiency at STEM subjects gives the student confidence and greater problem solving skills. It is also a good predictor of  post-high school success, employment security, and even lifelong income. 

Consider activities to support STEM subjects at your school. 

Using Math to Solve Air Traffic Control Problems for Grades 5-9

NASA's Smart Skies has brought its LineUp With Math™ professional development workshop to the Web in the form of a video workshop. Educators can now watch a series of eight topic-driven, on-demand training videos that introduce the product, show how to solve a problem on the air traffic control simulator and explain the math used to solve the problems.

The Smart Skies website features two mathematics products for grades 5-9. LineUp With MathTM taps into prealgebra skills to challenge students with distance-rate-time problems in a fun interactive air traffic control simulator interface. FlyBy MathTM uses hands-on activities that incorporate graphing as students solve distance-rate-time problems. Both activities are aligned with state education standards.

To download these free education materials, visit http://smartskies.nasa.gov/.

To view the training videos and learn how these lessons and activities can be used in the classroom, visit http://smartskies.nasa.gov/trainer/videos.html.

• I ran across a news piece that suggests a great way parents can jumpstart their children to enjoy and excell at mathematics. Add math puzzles to the bedtime ritual (link)! Here is the link to the Bedtime Math website.
• Find information about Academic Competitions, such as the AMC for mathematics, at www.natassessment.com. If your school would like to participate for the first time, the registration fees are greatly discounted right now! Use this coupon code (12MM5for50) to register for all five competitions for just $50
• Could your school use additional computers? Here is a way you can help provide them: The Federal Government requires that used, surplus equipment, that is useful for education, be made available to schools or non-profit educational entities. It is called the Computers For Learning program Ownership is transfered at no cost to the school but the school must pay for shipping and handling.  Click here for details about how to apply to receive computers and other peripherals.
• Science Fairs
• Science Olympiad
• Math League (Preparation Sessions for American Mathematics Competitions) for 7-12 grades
• Has anyone tried Math League for elementary schools--perhaps in an After School program?

I welcome your contributions. Contact me with your suggestions. Also if you have tips for successful activities, I'd love to hear from you.
--Deon