STEM, Careers, and Technology

1. Innovation Competitiveness Creativity STEM, Careers, and Technology Nancy Hastings, Ph.D., Instructional and Performance Technology Karen Rasmussen, Ph.D., Engineering and Computer Technology Lakshmi Prayaga, Ed.D., Computer Science/Engineering and Computer Technology FETC 2009

2. STEM is… “… knowledge and skills needed by future researchers, educators, and technologists; students pursuing postsecondary education in other disciplines; and individuals directly entering the technological workforce.” NSF Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education

3. FACTS • US students are consistently outscored by students around the world • Ranked 16th in the world in science and engineering degrees per capita • Women represent only 25% of the STEM workforce • We MUST integrate STEM at all levels of education and we must make it fun! • UWF has some cool ways to do this!

4. Focus on Math and Science The critical lack of technically trained people in the United States can be traced directly to poor K-12 mathematics and science instruction. Few factors are more important than this if the United States is to compete successfully in the 21st Century. National Academies, 2005

5. Purpose of STEM "With increasing demands on our economy, workforce, and national security, STEM education is more important than ever. . . A strong education in science, technology, engineering and math skills equip our students not just to hold their own, but to advance the frontiers in fields important to our economy and security." NSDL Whiteboard Report, June, 2005

6. STEM Priorities • “Strong public support for the value of STEM education • High quality teaching workforce • Appropriate opportunities to learn for all students • Effective guidance counseling on STEM education and careers • Assessment tools that reinforce learning in STEM fields” America’s Pressing Challenge– Building a Stronger Foundation

7. Education and STEM … critical issue in successful STEM education (i.e., recruiting, retaining, and properly training STEM undergraduate students who want to pursue teaching or who become TAs) is quality, not quantity • K-12 • Students • Teachers • University • Enhance STEM-related skills • Instructional Strategies • Research and Development • Partnerships with K-12, Workforce Development, Continuing and Professional Development, and Industry House Science Committee on STEM teacher education

8. STEM Careers • Engineers (all kinds) • Technicians • Computer Scientists (Programmers, Analysts) • Medical/Health-related • Accounting and Finance • Actuarial • Statistics • Mathematics/Modeling • Scientists • Information Technology • Networks and Telecommunications • Construction • Market Researcher • Economist • Environmental Scientist • Meteorologist • Urban Planner • Scientific Illustrator • Teachers in math, science, technology, engineering … and many more

9. STEM and the Panhandle: Fastest-Growing Occupations (2006-2014) – Top 10 Region 1 • Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software • Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts • Computer Software Engineers, Applications • Court Reporters • Physician Assistants • Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products • Pharmacy Technicians • Bill and Account Collectors • Home Health Aides • Network and Computer Systems Administrators Region 2 • Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software • Pharmacy Technicians • Medical Assistants • Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts • Logisticians • Network and Computer Systems Administrators • Computer Software Engineers, Applications • Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians • Database Administrators • Industrial Engineers

10. Responding to the challenges … • STEM Resources • BEST House • Siemen’s We Can Change the World Challenge • Cool Web Links • STEM and Careers • Math Matters • Career Academies • Workforce Development

11. STEM Resources

12. The BEST House

13. BEST House for Kids • Opportunities for K-20 students • Construction, energy and information technology • Hands on activities integrating all elements of STEM • Tours, field trips and demonstrations • http://uwf.edu/besthouse

14. We Can Change the World Challenge • National Siemens Corporation and National Science Teachers Association • Challenge to 6th-8th grade students • Identify issue, research it and create a replicable green solution using Web-based curriculum tools • UWF is sponsoring and mentoring eight sixth grade participants • The students and their projects: http://uwf.edu/besthouse/SiemensChallenge.cfm

15. Cool Web Links • Department of Labor • Career Explorations • What do you like? • STEM Resources for Teachers and Experiments for Kids • STEM Resources and Games • Science Experiments You Can Do At Home

16. STEM and Careers

17. Math Matters • Collaborative project between UWF and the Escambia County School District, supported by a Florida DOE grant • 4 games integrating algebra concepts within a career framework • Comprehensive supporting materials and teacher resources • Targeted toward 7th and 8th grade middle school students taking Career and Technical Education survey courses.

18. Providers

19. Sustainers

20. Outbreak Unknown

21. Towers of Zahlen

22. Teacher Resources for Math Matters • Video Clips • Trading Cards • Curriculum Guide • Sample Brochures • Presentations http://uwf.edu/mathmatters

23. Career Academies • Ford PAS • Next Generation Learning Community • Next Generation Leadership Community • Workforce Development http://www.fordpas.org/

24. Students graduating from career academy Early identification of academic opportunities Career Paths presented Interaction with specialization faculty Campus visits Earn up to 12 hours of lower division credit to be used for specialization Portfolio Awarded after 12 hours of credit at UWF Articulation

25. Initiatives: Career Awareness and Preparation • Tech Night • Job Fairs • Speaker Series • At University • Outreach to educational partners • Internships/Co-Operative Education • Student Research and Senior Projects • Program Alignment to Standards • High Expectations • Close articulation with education and industry partners • Common Marketing and Recruitment • Increasingly complex content and experiences

26. Initiatives: The Future • Promotion of STEM careers in terms of regional economic development • Linkages with educational partners • Alignment to Workforce Needs • High quality educational experiences throughout system • Support to workforce development through continued skill development

27. References • America’s Pressing Challenge – Building a Stronger Foundation, February, 2006 http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/nsb0602/letter.htm • Finch, K., McLeod, S. & Bronman, J. Did You Know? • The Fun Works … for Careers You Never Knew Existedhttp://thefunworks.edc.org • House Science Committee on STEM teacher education http://www.asanet.org/cs/root/leftnav/advocacy/house_science_committee_on_stem_teacher_education • National Center on Education and the Economy, Tough Choices or Tough Times, Executive Summaryhttp://www.skillscommission.org/pdf/exec_sum/ToughChoices_EXECSUM.pdf • NSDL Whiteboard Report, June, 2005, http://content.nsdl.org/wbr/Issue.php?issue=75