When people hear science, technology, engineering and math, they often associate it with difficulty. Kids may be disinclined to take STEM subjects in school due to this long-time stigma.
In a study done by the Pew Research Center, 46 percent of K-12 kids did not like science-based classes because they thought they were too difficult. 36 percent also said that they did not think these STEM courses would help them in their future jobs.
The thought that STEM curriculum does not help in future employment goes against much of the data found in the last five years. The Glassdoor released the 2018 list of highest paid jobs and many of them were STEM related.
- Physician
- Pharmacy Manager
- Pharmacist
- Enterprise Architect
- Corporate Counsel
Of the top five highest paying jobs, four of them were in the STEM field. As educators, we should push STEM subjects at younger ages. This will allow kids to grow up with a familiarity of the subject rather than a fear.
Active learning strategies have been linked to helping kids find STEM subjects more enjoyable at the early elementary school level. Sitting a kid at a desk and telling them the subjects may no longer be the best approach to teaching the curriculum. By giving kids projects with hidden lessons, they will link the subject with the joy found similarly to playing games.
Our goal at STEM Sports® is to use our turnkey STEM kits to give K-8 students the opportunity to love STEM subjects. With the rate of STEM jobs rising faster than any other career field every year, it is more important than ever to move kids in this direction.
