STEM Education Developments and News Roundup, Summer 2020
July 22, 2020
Read on for the latest and greatest news about STEM education initiatives and other developments.
A new study discovered that field courses in STEM topics build confidence in students.
Additionally, the study found STEM field courses could also boost the retention and success rates of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The article, “Field Courses Narrow Demographic Achievement Gaps in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology,” was published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, by researchers at UC Santa Cruz. The study compared UC Santa Cruz undergraduates from 2008 to 2019 who participated in a field course to those who did not.
The study’s findings revealed that students who participated in field courses not only had improved self-confidence, but were also more likely to graduate, have higher GPAs at graduation, and remain on a scientifically focused career path.
“Students in field courses work as a team and collaborate rather than compete for the best grade. They get to sit around a campfire and feel like part of a community. And they are interacting with faculty who aren’t standing behind a lectern, which can be intimidating,” said postdoctoral researcher and first author Roxanne Beltran. “It’s a feedback loop. Students see that they can be successful, which builds their confidence, which leads to further success.”
For educators seeking out methods to attract and retain young people and/or underrepresented groups into STEM careers, field courses look to be an exciting avenue to pursue in the future.
The Women of Color STEM Conference, which promotes the significant achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine, recently announced the latest slate of 2020 winners.
Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, Ph.D., RN, FAAN will receive the 2020 top honor, as Technologist of the Year.
“The award represents recognition of high merit, the broad effect on people in many disciplines, and value to society as a whole. Rear Admiral Trent-Adams has had a direct impact on building systems of care to improve public health for marginalized populations domestically and internationally,” according to BlackEngineer.com.
This year, The Women of Color STEM Conference is offering virtual access to their annual three day conference, which includes professional development seminars and workshops, and a forum of leaders from Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, colleges, and universities to discuss the current scientific and technical workforce.
The theme of this year’s conference is “The World is Counting on Us: Reset to Rise,” and addresses the underrepresentation of women in engineering, computer sciences, and mathematics.
In order to address the lack of women in the STEM fields, Tanya Dadlani, a high school senior, launched her Girl Scout Gold Award project, “She Can STEM.”
"I think that an underlying cause of this disparity is the lack of female role models in STEM,."
Tanya Dadlani
"She Can STEM" Founder
Dadlani’s project attempts to bring more women into Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers by creating more accessible mentorship opportunities.
“I think that an underlying cause of this disparity is the lack of female role models in STEM,” said Dadlani. “I hope to provide young girls with examples of real women with real stories to illustrate how women are capable of thriving in these fields.”
She Can STEM features a mentor program where young girls can connect with experienced female STEM professionals. In addition, Dadlani started the She Can STEM podcast, where she interviews successful female professionals in a variety of STEM positions, to introduce girls to STEM role models.
The House Appropriations Committee recently approved billions of dollars for the 2021 federal fiscal year budget, including $71 billion for the Commerce-Justice-Science Subcommittee.
The subcommittee will invest these funds in scientific research and the future workforce.
“These funds will foster innovation and U.S. economic competitiveness,” the committee said, “including funding for research on artificial intelligence, quantum information science, advanced manufacturing, physics, mathematics, cybersecurity, neuroscience, and STEM education.”
The funds will be used to support the departments of Commerce and Justice, as well as the government’s scientific agencies like The National Science Foundation and National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Dan Brouillette, U.S. Secretary of Energy, recently met with corporate executives to discuss how investment in STEM will help build a more capable and competitive U.S. workforce.
“The 21st Century has had plenty of challenges, but has given and will continue to present plenty of opportunities. People in STEM jobs will help find a vaccine for COVID-19, land a rover on Mars, protect our national security, reduce energy waste, and protect our planet for generations to come,” Brouillette said.
At the roundtable, Brouillete and executives discussed:
- How to develop a strong STEM pipeline
- Close the gap between underrepresented groups in STEM careers
- Create a business bottom-line to ensure a future skilled workforce
The Department of Energy supports STEM education with STEM Rising, an initiative “to inspire, educate, and spark an upwards trajectory to lifelong success in STEM through sharing the Department’s National Labs, National Nuclear Security Administration, and program office’s programs, resources, competitions, events, internship opportunities and more.”
