STEM spreads across Minnesota
K-5 schools in the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul are embracing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs to prepare students for the jobs of the future.
The Richfield STEM School are embedding engineering lessons into every subject – from learning about structural mechanics after a lesson on the recent Japan earthquake to taking apart tools after studying Native American history.
The school is infused with science, technology, engineering and math curriculum. It opened last fall and celebrated last week the fact that it now has 21 teachers who are STEM-certified.
It’s one of about 40 STEM programs and schools across Minnesota. The STEM initiatives are spreading nationwide, spurred by an increased emphasis on science and math and pressure to fill a job market void with future engineers and science-savvy students.
Ten years ago, engineer Yvonne Ng said she and her peers laughed at the possibility of engineering being taught in elementary schools.
“Now here it is,” said Ng, an assistant professor at St. Catherine University, which trained Richfield staff.
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Holte Ender
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Yvonne Ng?
How the fuck do you pronounce Ng??????
Can’t the world insist on sensible names?…Is it too much to ask?
Having said that I do like her. I like her reason d’etre but can’t she have a pronouncable name????
It’s hard at my age you know….well…often it isn’t when I come to think of it…please Ms. Ng….gizza chance eh?
After reading how poorly America (especially bible belt states) rate in math and science, there appears to be a ray of hope for education in the U.S. of A. STEM sure is a good start!
I hope this spreads across the country. For too long we’ve ignored the importance of STEM and that has put us way behind other countries.