• Creating a forum for a timely discussion of STEM issues and ideas from a wide variety of influences

• Exchanging best practices from existing STEM programs

• Developing, promoting, and implementing education-workforce partnerships

• Providing networking opportunities for STEM stakeholders including educators, business leaders, and other influential STEM advocates

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing one of our keynote speakers for the conference, Laurie Rosatone, Division Director, Curriculum, Digital Media, and Communications, at the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC). When I asked her about herself, she replied with her identity map = one of three sisters, middle sister, surrounded by engineers, speaks both English and Spanish, she’s a dog mom, lives in DC, loves to travel, enjoys cooking and wine tasting.

Not familiar with identity map? Learn how to use this technique with students as an icebreaker activity here. It is a fun way for a classroom or group of students to get to know one another.

National STEM perspective

STEM Forward welcomes Laurie to Milwaukee to share the SSEC’s K-12 STEM perspective. Laurie’s team produces groundbreaking tools and resources as part of the SSEC’s mission of transforming K-12 Education through Science in collaboration with communities across the globe.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center is an organization of the Smithsonian Institution dedicated to Transforming K–12 Education through Science™ in collaboration with communities across the globe. To achieve our mission, we have four goals:

1. Promote authentic, inquiry-based, integrated K–12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning

2. Ensure diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) in K–12 STEM education

3. Advance STEM education for sustainable development (STEM4SD)

4. Translate the research and collections of the Smithsonian into meaningful tools and convenings for K–12 teachers and students. We achieve our goals by (a) building awareness for science education among school leaders; (b) promoting Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER); (c) supporting the professional growth of K–12 teachers and school leaders; (d) developing exemplary K–12 curriculum materials and digital resources (including our comprehensive research-based science curriculum programs, Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, Science and Technology Concepts for Middle School, and Smithsonian Science for Global Goals); and (e) engaging in research.

   Laurie will share a wealth of resources for educators, parents, and STEM advocates – anyone who wants to inspire the next generation of STEM talent.

She also brings with her a national perspective and will share the Federal STEM Strategic Plan. Here are some of the relevant points:

The Federal Government has a key role to play in furthering STEM education by working in partnership with stakeholders at all levels and seeking to remove barriers to participation in STEM careers, especially for women and other underrepresented groups. Accordingly, this report sets out a Federal strategy for the next five years based on a Vision for a future where all Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the United States will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment. It represents an urgent call to action for a nationwide collaboration with learners, families, educators, communities, and employers—a “North Star” for the STEM community as it collectively charts a course for the Nation’s success.

Our societal dialogue surrounding STEM instills a sense of dislike and even fear in early learners. Fixed beliefs hinder our ability to be malleable and curious about our capabilities to conquer STEM concepts throughout our early education. Some people will distance themselves from these beliefs over time, while others will solidify them to the core. Let's not forget that these beliefs are further affirmed if learners can't see those of their culture, ethnicity, and gender represented within STEM professions.

Federal STEM Strategic Plan:

1. Build Strong Foundations for STEM Literacy by ensuring that every American has the opportunity to master basic STEM concepts, including computational thinking, and to become digitally literate. A STEM-literate public will be better equipped to handle rapid technological change and will be better prepared to participate in civil society.

2. Increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM and provide all Americans with lifelong access to high-quality STEM education, especially those historically underserved and underrepresented in STEM fields and employment. The full benefits of the Nation’s STEM enterprise will not be realized until this goal is achieved.

3. Prepare the STEM Workforce for the Future—both college-educated STEM practitioners and those working in skilled trades that do not require a four-year degree—by creating authentic learning experiences that encourage and prepare learners to pursue STEM careers. A diverse talent pool of STEM-literate Americans prepared for the jobs of the future will be essential for maintaining the national innovation base that supports key sectors of the economy and for making scientific discoveries and creating the technologies of the future. The full strategic plan can be found in Charting a Course for Success: America's Strategy for STEM Education.

When Laurie was asked what the conference theme -  STEM for All; Partnering for Greater Inclusion – meant to her, she replied,

The AI Education Project uses an interdisciplinary approach to technology education, with an emphasis on the humanities and project-based learning alongside STEM concepts.  Students learn how algorithms influence key areas of life like hiring decisions, healthcare, and access to credit and how they can influence the design and use of future technologies. Come listen to Alex Kotran as he talks about this and more!

Beyond the two keynote speakers, we have eleven engaging breakout sessions, and you can view and download the agenda and the breakout session descriptions here. Many topics will be offered including, “Code the Hoan: Creating Authentic STEAM Experiences through Community Partnerships” and “Making Project-Based Learning Work”.

We hope you join us on October 26 to hear about the priority work that is happening on a national level and take away practical ideas and resources to use in your classroom and within your family. Register for the sySTEMnow Conference by October 21 to be a strong #STEM advocate in Wisconsin and beyond!

Posted on October 12, 2022, by Maureen Haeger. Communications & Program Manager.