In My eSTEMation, Growing is Good

In my eSTEMation, we have reached a "turning point" in Iowa STEM because of one single, undeniable and beautiful fact:  we are growing.

Growing is good.  It means more programs, more funding, more challenges, and-most importantly-more people!  The excitement surrounding the Governor's STEM initiative in Northwest Iowa has resulted in a wave of iExplore STEM festivals, challenge events, teacher professional development opportunities and kids in classrooms, dreaming of becoming engineers.

Growing is good.  It requires us to navigate complex issues together, transitioning through the Greiner Curve and surviving the "crisis points" as an organization.  This is important work, and it must not fail.   The growth of the Governor's STEM Initiative relies on coordination, collaboration and even extra-organizational solutions as we partner across the state and the nation. 

Growing is good.  The STEM seeds planted by early Iowa workers are now sprouting.  STEM is ready to branch out and blossom...

      ...and in my eSTEMation, that will be good. 

Go ahead....be inspired.

The Latest on STEM in NW Iowa

NL Feb. Kari Webb.mov.ff from Mediacom Connections on Vimeo.

In My eSTEMation...

In my eSTEMation, one of the unexpected side-effects of the Governor’s STEM initiative is giving teachers permission to be creative with science and math.  That may sound counter-intuitive at first:  people usually don’t think of science or engineering as “creative” disciplines.  They worry that a STEM emphasis might stifle kid’s imaginative efforts.   They write me letters and send me links advocating STEAM instead of STEM (with the “A” for art).  And, quite frankly, they are correct in the sense that true STEM work must be right-brained as much as it is left-brained, creative as well as constructive. 

I wish we could invite STEAM advocates to one of our STEM professional development training sessions.  Teachers play.  There is a lot of laughing.  We design and test and re-invent the wheel.  We become makers and producers instead of receivers and consumers—and that is the magic of STEM.   See for yourself!

 

Traditional math and science training invokes a “don’t make mistakes” mentality that is often difficult to shake.  It’s no wonder that teachers (and consequently, students) need to be given permission to be creative.   Still, I believe that the Governor’s STEM initiative is making genuine strides toward bringing a fresh approach to science, technology, engineering and math classrooms and clubs.  Tinkering with LEGO robots, racing solar cars and writing code for creative new apps can be both artistic and STEMtastic at the same time.  Rather than simply inserting an “A” into the acronym, in my eSTEMation, we should weave the artistic, creative and innovative spirit of learning in, around and through it all.

Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Building Regional Partnerships

STEM enthusiasm is contagious.   We just need to help people catch the vision of an integrated, dynamic, creative educational platform designed to encourage young people to envision themselves as future scientists, technology experts, engineers and mathematicians.  One connection leads to another and, suddenly, a partnership emerges.

On Friday, January 11th, regional stakeholders met to celebrate just such an emerging partnership.  The chemistry is simple:  mix together enthusiastic educators with eager business and professional people--apply a catalyst like the Governor's STEM initiative--and BOOM.  Opportunities break out all over.

Read more about Friday's event from Nate Robeson in the Sioux City Journal.

In My eSTEMation...

In my eSTEM-ation, engineering is elementary and elementary kids can engineer, after all.
 
To be honest, if you had asked me three years ago for my perspective on teaching engineering to elementary students, I would have laughed out loud.  Engineering requires a solid understanding of calculus, physics and thermodynamics. Even the most advanced high school students grapple with the abstract concepts of energy and entropy.  So,  how could elementary kids be expected to learn engineering?

Now, however, I am beginning to appreciate that teaching engineering to elementary kids is about designing, building, creating, innovating, questioning, solving and--most importantly--shaping an understanding of the interface between human ingenuity and our fragile planet.

I have seen the STEM-magic that happens in an elementary classroom that is alive with engineering and exploration.  I am now realizing that boys and girls who love engineering while they are still just boys and girls will be motivated to tackle the rigors of physics and calculus when they become young men and women. 

In my eSTEM-ation, engineering is elementary!

Spotlight: Advisory Board Member Weber

It doesn't take long to fill a room with the sounds of learning--when you bring boxes of robot parts and laptop computers.  Northwest Iowa Advisory Board member Wade Weber from the Iowa State Extension has become a regional robotics guru.   He arrives with a veritable bonanza of LEGO robotics kits and a seasoned ability to teach the engineering design process.  Weber uses a student centered approach to teaching and learning which immediately engages learners of all ages and abilities.
Recently, Weber volunteered his time to lead a January Term class for the students at Spirit Lake High School.   By the end of the day, the students were able to construct a robot and program it to perform simple maneuvers--some students were even able to utilize the robotic sensors to begin their own experimentation. 
Of course, the "end-goal" isn't really about the robots.  Instead, Weber works to promote a spirit of inquiry, innovation and creativity in people of all ages.  The "Vision Statement" for ISU Youth Programs is to promote"A world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change."

You can attend a Robotics Training with Wade Weber on February 26 and 27!  More Info HERE.