Kids’ Corner

KIDS’ CORNER

WHY STEM SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR KIDS By Jill “MamaBug” Frier demand significant scientific or math- STEM educational opportunities are quire the practical but fun application ematical training. more widely available than ever. Par- of concepts learned in the classroom,

As a parent of school age chil- ents and teachers can find programs, in an after school environment. dren, you’ve probably heard A WORLD OF RAPIDLY classes, camps, and museums that people touting the wonders CHANGING TECHNOLOGY focus on educational programs and • Arizona STEM Adventure. This and importance of STEM education As science and technology have activities to encourage and develop all-volunteer run event brings tofor kids. But what is STEM and why become increasingly more important a better understanding of STEM for gether students and professionals to is it so important for your kid to get in our world, kids will need STEM kids. Here are a few of the many give kids a hands on experience with up to speed on it? STEM is an acro- skills to succeed more than ever organizations around the Valley that a STEM professional and motivate nym that stands for Science, Technol- before. STEM is an essential part of offer STEM programs and activities students to enter the world of STEM. ogy, Engineering, and Mathematics. everything we do every day. Science to inspire kids of all ages: The next Arizona STEM Adventure A good understanding of these areas is key to everything around us, from will take place on November 16th, of study can help your child have medicine, to the products we use, • The Arizona STEM Network, led 2019, at the Pima Community Cola better understanding of how our to understanding the natural world. by Science Foundation Arizona. lege, Northwest Campus. world works today and give them an The technology to understand and This non-profit organization was edge when then eventually enter the develop that science is constantly created as a collaboration between There are loads of resources in the workforce as an adult. evolving and expanding into every Arizona businesses, educators, gov- Phoenix area to help make STEM aspect of our daily lives. And engi- ernment, and philanthropic organiza- education fun and relevant to your WHY STEM SUBJECTS ARE neering is the basic foundation not tions. The Arizona STEM Network children. Do your homework and IMPORTANT only for building infrastructure, like focuses on a common agenda to take steps to get your kids interested STEM learning can help build a roads, bridges, and buildings, but also graduate more Arizona students pre- in science, technology, engineerchild’s critical thinking skills, sense for the way organizations, businesses pared for the global economy. ing, and math – these subjects are of curiosity, creativity, and an un- and governments operate and become important for everyone’s future. derstanding of technology and the continually more efficient. • Arizona Center for Afterschool And be sure to check out Ladybug’s scientific method while discovering Excellence. This organization ex- Blog (www.LadybugsBlog.com) for new things. STEM education typical- When interviewed by the We Are poses kids to STEM-related activities more articles and recommendations ly presents real-world scenarios that Teachers website, James Brown, ex- during out-of-school time, to allow for fun, educational and interesting kids can work on, study and solve ecutive director of the STEM Educa- them to learn experientially. Kids things to do with kids everywhere in with a hands-on, scientific approach. tion Coalition in Washington, D.C., engage in hands-on activities that re- Arizona! These skills are important elements and a nuclear engineer by training, of “learning how to learn,” which is a explained, “What binds together the critical element of most solution-ori- STEM movement is the notion of ented, not to mention higher paying, modern skills. Employers talk about jobs. problem-solving. Society requires A study by the U.S. Department of requires problem-solving. Those are Commerce showed that occupations the types of skills that really matter. involving STEM are growing at 17 A practicing engineer will tell you, percent, while occupations in other ‘I didn’t use the calculus I learned to fields are growing at less than 10 solve problems on paper, but the way percent. The study also showed that it taught me to solve problems and people who have a degree in a STEM to think about problems was really field generally have a higher income important.” than those who are involved in other problem-solving. Doing your taxes careers. People in the fields of sci- STEM EDUCATION ence, technology, engineering, and OPPORTUNITIES FOR math play an essential role in sustain- YOUR CHILD ing the current U.S. economy, and STEM classes can help kids be betwill likely remain a critical compo- ter problem solvers, more creative nent well into the future. thinkers, and better at observing and thinking about the world around Bottom line, a focus on STEM educa- them, rather than simply memorizing tion gives kids the edge they need to facts. STEM education helps drive flourish in growing career fields. The the inventors, problem-solvers and U.S. Department of Labor’s work- innovators of the future. And a good force projections show that nine of STEM program finds ways to make the 10 fastest growing occupations math and science important concepts that require a college degree will also that are fun and interesting for kids.