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In January of 2008, the Mentoring Partnership kicked off National Mentoring Month with a special event highlighting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities for mentors and mentees. Click here for details of the 2008 NMM campaign. Throughout this year, the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota will build mentor awareness and business engagement related to STEM issues. This effort will expose more young people to STEM-oriented activities and careers, and provide new resources to mentoring programs, mentors, mentees, community groups and businesses.
Why should mentors care about STEM? Openings in STEM-related fields have never been greater – while student engagement in STEM classes and educational opportunities is declining. Mentors can spark interest in science and technology, share in exploration of STEM activities, and provide hands-on experiences that help young people understand the role of these important skills in their everyday lives. The pay-off for mentees is increased skills and knowledge now, and greater opportunities for interesting, productive work in the future.
DID YOU KNOW…
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Minnesota ranks 17th in the U.S. for overall number of high-tech workers and 18th for average high-tech wage.
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By the year 2010, jobs in computer and mathematical fields are expected to increase by 67%.
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Minnesota high-tech industry workers earn an average of $25,597/year more than other private sector workers.
Mentors can also break down common myths about STEM disciplines that prevent young people from getting the most out of chances to learn, expand their technical literacy, and pursue rewarding careers.
--See below for FUN & INTERACTIVE STEM websites- Great resources for young people, adults and educators!
TRUE OR FALSE:
A. STEM classes are only for advanced students – and who wants to take them anyway? False! Minnesota school districts and teachers are making STEM-focused classes more interesting, accessible and available to all students. These classes are designed to be fun and interactive. At North Community High School in Minneapolis, students are involved in real projects to solve real problems in their Computers, Construction, Engineering and Information Technologies (CCEIT) classes.
B. Math and Science are only important subjects for certain careers False! Math and Science are critical components of a solid education and help young people develop critical thinking skills that support ALL kinds of careers.
C. Careers in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) are boring False! STEM is not just about geeks in white lab coats. There are many careers that involve STEM that are innovative and fun. Did you know that some food scientists get to taste ice cream and pizza ingredients for a living and marine biologists get to work with all those dolphins and whales at Sea World? |
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) RESOURCE LINKS
Science Buzz: A Science Museum of Minnesota Community
http://dev.smm.org/buzz
Science Buzz is both a website, and a library of digital and traditional exhibit components focused on science in the news, emerging research, and seasonal science. Dig deeper into science headlines and connect with scientists and others about your questions! Click on the Community link to visit the Mentor section for website features and resources designed specifically for mentors and mentees.
Target ages: Middle school, high school and adults – especially mentors
The Fun Works
http://www.thefunworks.org
Discover a wealth of information about STEM-related careers, including tools to figure out what careers match your skills and interests. EXPLORE many different areas, not just the ones that seem obvious, THINK about what you enjoy to see where it leads you, and EXPERIENCE lots of ideas about how to shape the your future.
Target ages: Middle school
Try Science
http://www.tryscience.org
Find a world of information, activities, and ideas that are just like science - exciting and useful. This is a great website for mentors, mentees, parents and educators! Connect to local museums and nature centers, learn about experiments to do at home, go on a virtual field trip or choose your own video game learning adventure.
Target ages: Elementary school, middle school and adults - especially mentors, parents and teachers
Dragonfly TV
http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/superdoit/index.html
Learn about want goes on behind the scenes of this popular PBS television show and pick up where the show leaves off to continue your own science exploration. Try out cool experiments, share your results and learn about the science behind each experiment!
Target ages: Elementary school and adults - especially parents and teachers
Minnesota Department of Education
http://www.mn-stem.com
The Minnesota Department of Education is dedicated to making good minds great through STEM education. Their new website is packed with STEM information and tools, including STEM career profiles, links to Minnesota colleges and professional organizations, cool learning activities and a STEM Toolkit with study guides and other resources. Need answers to your STEM questions? Use the site’s Oracle Orb, which knows all there is to know about STEM, and will help you find what you need.
Target ages: Elementary through high school and adults - especially parents and teachers
Science Matters
http://www.medtronic.com/foundation/community-ed-science-matters.html
This free downloadable booklet was created by the Medtronic Foundation as a tool for parents and educators to help elementary age students unlock the world of science and discovery at home and school. Find STEM activities, information about science exploration in Minnesota and tips on getting kids excited about science.
Target ages: Elementary school and adults - especially mentors, parents and teachers
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