SciMathMN

MnSTA Adopts Position Statement on Elementary Science

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The Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA) strongly supports the concept that science must be a basic component in the daily curriculum of every elementary school student at every grade level. In the last decade, numerous reports have been published calling for reform in education. Each report has highlighted the importance of early experiences in science to allow students to develop lifelong curiosity for the natural world and problem-solving skills that empower them to participate in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

In their recently released position statement on Elementary Science, MnSTA recommends that every elementary student in Minnesota should receive the equivalent of at least 3 hours of science instruction per week.

See the full position statement.

MN STEM Teacher Center Update

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SciMathMN is currently assessing funding needs for both for maintenance and expansion of the content and features of the MN STEM Teacher Center, home of the MN Math and Science frameworks (www.scimathmn.org/stemtc). We are also considering the needs the Center will have when the Minnesota science and mathematics standards are reviewed and revised in the next few years, which will likely result in the need for significant changes to the content on the site and opportunities for enhancing the site.

So, who are the local users of the STEM Teacher Center website? Obviously the STEM TC is visited by folks from all over the world. But through the use of Google Analytics, we can track where the traffic comes from over time and dig into the patterns that we find in hopes of improving the experience for users. Our analysis shows that traffic typically mirrors school calendars, with site visits dropping during the summer months and on weekends. Interestingly though, there is a marked increase in page visits on Sunday evenings during the school year as teachers prepare for the upcoming school week.

The image below is a screenshot of the traffic pattern for MN visitors for one month from August 6, 2016 to September 6, 2016, just as the school year is beginning. In the image you will see cities around that state where visits originated, and the size of the dot reflects the number of visits from that city.

stem-tc-google-analytics-map-for-aug-6-sept-6-2016If anyone has a passion for data and would be interested in helping SciMathMN track and analyze the STEM TC site use, please consider joining us. You can contact committee chair Mike Lindstrom at mike.r.lindstrom@gmail.com.

 

6th Annual STEM Day at the State Fair

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STEM Day at the Fair was a great success again this year!  This year, thanks to generous support by MTS Systems, we offered an event app allowing parents to connect with our exhibitors and performers throughout the year.  The app is live and can be found at stemdaymn.org. It includes the schedule of our great mix of returning performers and new ones.

The Minnesota STEM Network’s 6th annual STEM Day at the State Fair in Carousel Park was brimming with STEM activity made possible by exhibitors active in the STEM Network and our generous sponsors, 3M, Boston Scientific, MTS,  and Thomson Reuters. Over 7,000 people came through Carousel Park on STEM Day making it the best attended in our six year history.

State fair stage 2010

Thanks to our committee, exhibitors, and sponsors for the time, effort and investment in STEM Day.  We look forward to another fun-filled day next summer!  Please thank our generous sponsors.

Download the flyer to share with your networks and audiences!

If you want to be rich and powerful, majoring in STEM is a good place to start

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The standard narrative today is that science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) education is important because we need more data scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals. But promoting STEM education is critical for another reason: it teaches creative problem solving, which is widely applicable and more necessary than ever today. STEM education is linked to success not only in STEM fields, but in many other disciplines and even among many of the world’s most wealthy and powerful people.

Keep reading here.

Strengthening the STEM Pipeline: The Contributions of Small and Mid-Sized Independent Colleges

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A recently released report by the Council of Independent Colleges, “Strengthening the STEM Pipeline: The Contributions of Small and Mid-Sized Independent Colleges,” argues that such colleges make a disproportionate contribution to efforts to build up the American work force in science and technology. The report notes that many people assume research universities are the key sector for promoting STEM education. But on a per capita basis, the report argues, small private colleges deserve more support for STEM education.

View more information here.

Should schools teach ‘soft skills?’ Many say ‘yes’

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Recent graduates may not be ready for the workforce for a reason increasingly common in the 21st century: soft skills, or the lack thereof. According to USA Today, businesses say potential employees “lack the proper business skills and other professional abilities that will help make them good employees.”

Continue reading…