Why STEM and why now?  Starting STEM early in life plants the seed for curiosity and teaches young ones to think critically about real world problems. STEM education is active and focuses on a student-centered learning environment. Students engage in questioning, problem solving, collaboration, and hands-on activities while they address real life issues. STEM proficient students are logical thinkers, effective communicators and are technologically, scientifically, and mathematically literate (Maryland State STEM Standards of Practice Framework). 

It is pertinent to involve learners in STEM at an early age as research documents that by the time students reach fourth grade, a third of boys and girls have lost an interest in science. By eighth grade, almost 50 percent have lost interest or deemed it irrelevant to their education or future plans. At this point in the K–12 system, the STEM pipeline has narrowed to half. That means millions of students have tuned out or lack the confidence to believe they can do science. (STEM Education–It’s Elementary, US News).  That truly is a pity as STEM careers are among some of the highest paying and most rewarding fields. 

What are the Benefits of STEM? By planting the seeds about STEM early in education, we give our children more opportunities to advance in math and science.  Children who are exposed to STEM early tend to have higher math and science scores.   We set our children on a path to explore careers that they may have never thought to consider.  According to the Stem Education Coalition(www.stemedcoalition.com ), one half of STEM jobs do not require a four year degree, yet these jobs pay an average of $53,000 which is 10% higher than non STEM jobs with similar education.  STEM is a big deal!