I got fired up by a Google+ hangout to be held on STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and a discussion of how to get more kids into those areas:
STEM will not be relevant until schools disrupt their norm and offer courses which show kids what they can do & accomplish say at age 30. How do kids know what they want to be when they grow up, if they don't know what's out there!...uh, beyond their parents' occupations or those of a couple of friends.
Let's call it for example "Telestream to 2027." What could they be doing when they're 35. Start with one course a year from 7th-12th where career areas and real JOBS are put under a microscope. Math one year; physical sciences the next; on to biological sciences, chemical the last.
Take examples of personalities in tech or science areas. How about:
— Akinori Ito, Blest Corporation who invented the machine to convert plastic into oil.
—Dr. John Whapham, using a robot, discussed care with a patient at Loyola University Medical Center near Chicago.
...whoever. Video the person at work, what s/he is most proud of inventing or being on a team that developed say the Festo Smart Bird.
Interview them, so what courses from high school let you climb the job stairs to where you are now?
—Do you still use algebra, trig, calculus? What role did/do they play?
—Did biology, chemistry or physics lead you to this job in any way?
—Do you have to write up your research? Give presentations? How important is it to be a good writer? Does grammar count anymore what with Twitter shortcuts, etc.?
—Do you read a lot? Is being able to read fast and with comprehension and memory of what you read important, or can you now just look up anything you need on Google?
Ideally a state education department would do a series of these master video interviews and share them on the web open to all and then encourage cities or school districts to do the same with THEIR own local interesting, inventive, successful folks in their town. And give teachers some ideas of how they can expand with discussions, idea-generating panels, searches for more folks like they just saw. Skype with someone in the same field who's willing to expand on the video.
I can imagine a Warehouse of these job videos such as Google's SketchUp Warehouse, where you go pick out your area and then search inside its branches down to your interest level as a kid at whatever age to see more videos about that career avenue. General YouTube won't do. You need to see the scope of any one job category and that's a more Warehouse type presentation. Or perhaps even better would be that of James Fallows' beloved PersonalBrain software format. Do kids really think even about doctors and all the specialities they might be interested in? And do they really know about the scope of these types of specialties in other occupations?
Offer the course every year perhaps with more complex looks at really what one needs and needs to DO to become successful and excited about that Job. With this you provide concrete knowledge, seeing and experiencing real possibilities in life. Even for being a factory worker, find the companies who've created teams that do work well and actually like their jobs and are given a chance to suggest improvements, make their mark on the company.
Bottom line. School is where this would have the most impact. If you don't know the possibilities exist, you can't chose one. Let me know if you agree...or not.
STEM will not be relevant until schools disrupt their norm and offer courses which show kids what they can do & accomplish say at age 30. How do kids know what they want to be when they grow up, if they don't know what's out there!...uh, beyond their parents' occupations or those of a couple of friends.
Let's call it for example "Telestream to 2027." What could they be doing when they're 35. Start with one course a year from 7th-12th where career areas and real JOBS are put under a microscope. Math one year; physical sciences the next; on to biological sciences, chemical the last.
Take examples of personalities in tech or science areas. How about:
— Akinori Ito, Blest Corporation who invented the machine to convert plastic into oil.
—Dr. John Whapham, using a robot, discussed care with a patient at Loyola University Medical Center near Chicago.
...whoever. Video the person at work, what s/he is most proud of inventing or being on a team that developed say the Festo Smart Bird.
Interview them, so what courses from high school let you climb the job stairs to where you are now?
—Do you still use algebra, trig, calculus? What role did/do they play?
—Did biology, chemistry or physics lead you to this job in any way?
—Do you have to write up your research? Give presentations? How important is it to be a good writer? Does grammar count anymore what with Twitter shortcuts, etc.?
—Do you read a lot? Is being able to read fast and with comprehension and memory of what you read important, or can you now just look up anything you need on Google?
Ideally a state education department would do a series of these master video interviews and share them on the web open to all and then encourage cities or school districts to do the same with THEIR own local interesting, inventive, successful folks in their town. And give teachers some ideas of how they can expand with discussions, idea-generating panels, searches for more folks like they just saw. Skype with someone in the same field who's willing to expand on the video.
I can imagine a Warehouse of these job videos such as Google's SketchUp Warehouse, where you go pick out your area and then search inside its branches down to your interest level as a kid at whatever age to see more videos about that career avenue. General YouTube won't do. You need to see the scope of any one job category and that's a more Warehouse type presentation. Or perhaps even better would be that of James Fallows' beloved PersonalBrain software format. Do kids really think even about doctors and all the specialities they might be interested in? And do they really know about the scope of these types of specialties in other occupations?
Offer the course every year perhaps with more complex looks at really what one needs and needs to DO to become successful and excited about that Job. With this you provide concrete knowledge, seeing and experiencing real possibilities in life. Even for being a factory worker, find the companies who've created teams that do work well and actually like their jobs and are given a chance to suggest improvements, make their mark on the company.
Bottom line. School is where this would have the most impact. If you don't know the possibilities exist, you can't chose one. Let me know if you agree...or not.
