A Whole-School STEM Initiative is being implemented at Laing Middle School of Science and Technology in Mount Pleasant, SC. The essence of this initiative is to use STEM content throughout the curriculum to build technological literacy, and establish the real-world relevance and inter-relationships of all curriculum subjects. Distinctive features of this approach include using the engineering design process in all classes as a method for solving problems; addressing nationally recognized technological literacy standards concurrently with mandated subject-specific standards; and engaging students with cross-curricular problems and projects that involve practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Read More
ecent reports from the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine [1, 2] note that a primary driver of our future economy and creation of jobs will be innovation, largely derived from advances in science and engineering. Yet, these reports also note that the United States ranks 27th among developed nations in the proportion of college students receiving undergraduate degrees in science or engineering, and only four percent of the nation’s current work force is composed of scientists and engineers. Between 1985 and 2005, the proportion of engineering degrees among all science and engineering baccalaureates steadily declined from 23% in 1985 to 14% in 2005 [3]. The most recent report concludes that “the nation’s ability to provide financially and personally rewarding jobs for its own citizens can be expected to decline at an accelerating pace.” The highest priority recommendations for altering this path are strengthening the public school system and investing in basic scientific research.
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