Synopsis
How many times have you heard that math is hard, no fun, or lame? As a calculus tutor, I hear those phrases almost every day, if not multiple times in the same study session. With students as young as elementary school and as experienced as doctorate level courses, there is a gigantic stigma attached to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) problems and classes seem like torture to most students. We found ourselves asking the question that many people before us have been troubled with: How can we teach STEM concepts in a new way that engages and excites students at any age? Combining my love for both STEM and team building activities, I started a search to find activities that really got people excited to learn new concepts and work together as a team. The problem is that the internet is overcrowded with soft drink bottle rockets and vinegar volcanoes. While these can be fun and exciting in their own rights, these kinds of activities often neglect the teamwork aspect that is necessary for any design project, technological advance, or scientific research. After these single-use projects are done, participants are often left wanting more only to return to math problems or science definitions. These experiments proved a vital point to us in our search. Whether they know it or not, most students actually love STEM. If you disagree, just try to take away a cellphone. Funding for STEM programs and careers is continually increasing in the technological age. Babies know how to use tablets and cellphones! The need for scientists, developers, engineers, and mathematicians is growing every year. Many teachers and organizations have seen this trend, but had a hard time getting students excited to make a difference in the world by pursuing STEM. This book provides 50 fun and inexpensive activities that have proven themselves through the excitement, engagement, and teamwork building that we have seen at every event where we have used them. With each activity, you will see important STEM concepts such as the design process, understanding sequential logic, and comparing word problems to stories. Questions for discussion are added to each activity to help participants gain an understanding of these concepts. Each activity is tailored for both fun and learning without sacrificing either. We work with students across the globe. We have firsthand seen the impact that these activities make in students' lives. We have made it our goal to share this knowledge and experience with leaders. Whether you are a parent, teacher, professor, or organization, what you do matters. We want to help you inspire the next generation of scientists, inventors, designers, and mathematicians.
About the Author
Kyle has been a part of engineering, robotics, and STEM teams since the eighth grade. As a mentor and team director of design and communication for FIRST robotics team 3152, Kyle has figured out how to effectively lead group conversation and create synergy with STEM teams. Kyle offers keynote addresses to STEM students, teams, and organizations in the areas of goal setting, integrating STEM concepts and theories into holistic leadership, and critical thinking as a member of Paradigm Shift. Kyle is currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering in the Texas A&M system, and hopes to continue his education to receive his PhD. in Electrical Engineering. He has the privilege to research the exciting field of signal transduction in cellular signaling pathways. He is a member of the National Tutoring Association and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the world's largest professional association for the advancement of technology. When Kyle is not working with STEM groups he can be found watching Premier League football, taking long walks in the park with his calculator, or at a theater near you.
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